six o'clock
It manifested something more than love -- something more impassioned and ardent than the affection which a daughter might exhibit toward even a living mother ; it showed a complete devotion -- an adoration -- a worship ! Long and fixedly did Nisida gaze upon that portrait ; till suddenly from her eyes , which shot forth such burning glances , gushed a torrent of tears . Then -- probably fearful lest this weakness on her part might impair the resolution necessary to execute the purpose which she had in view -- Nisida dashed away the tears from her long lashes , hastily quitted the room . Having traversed the other two apartments of her own suit , she cast a searching glance along the passage which she now entered ; and , satisfied that none of the domestics were about , for it was not yet six o'clock on that winter 's morning , she hastened to the end of the corridor . The lamp flared with the speed at which she walked ; and its uncertain light enhanced the pallor that now covered her countenance . At the bottom of the passage she cautiously opened the door , and entered the room with which it communicated . This was the sleeping apartment of her brother .