three o'clock
The nuns of the Sacred Heart , or as they were frequently called , of the order of the Love of Jesus , were supposed to spend their time in perpetual prayer for the living or the dead . The whole of the twenty-four hours , Clara learned , are divided into what are denominated watches ; the night watches being kept by the nuns in the following manner . The Sisters retire at seven o'clock , with the exception of one who remains watching till eight . She then summons another Sister , who rises and watches till nine , the latter again summoning a fresh watcher , and thus they continue till three o'clock , when all assemble in the chapel for matins . They also join in prayer seven times in the day , at fixed periods , though they may be separated . To the order of the Love of Jesus are attached companions who may mix in the world , and whose real duties are to obtain proselytes . They are expected to join in prayer at stated hours , wherever they may be , and on every Thursday night , from midnight till one o'clock , the companions unite in prayer .