eight o'clock
It looked cheery enough , however , in the light of a great peat fire , and the visitor was feeling so unwell after her stormy crossing that her one overpowering desire was to lay her head upon the pillows , and revel in the consciousness that her journeyings were at an end . Her tact suggested also that this affectionate family would be glad to have their baby to themselves for the first meeting ; but when she woke up refreshed and vigorous the following morning , she was full of eagerness to get downstairs , and make the acquaintance of the O'Shaughnessys in their own home . The night before she had been so faint and dazed that she had gone automatically through the various introductions , and as the lights inside the rooms were by no means as bright as those at the windows , even the very faces seemed seen through a mist . But Bridget had mentioned eight o'clock as the breakfast-hour , so Mademoiselle leaped out of bed , and , wondering a little why no one appeared to bring tea , hot water , or a bath , made the best work of her toilet which was possible under the circumstances . Truth to tell , the room did not appear so attractive in the light of a dark December morning , aided by one flickering candle upon the dressing - table . The tapestry was worn into holes , the carpet was threadbare , and the silk curtains had faded to a dull grey hue . The general aspect was so grim and dull , both within the room and outside in the wind-swept park , that the sun-loving Mademoiselle made all speed she could to get downstairs to the cheering influences of breakfast and fire .