nearly ten o'clock
Scarcely three minutes after the new idea had struck her , her resolution was fixed . Once more concealing the papers in her bosom , she repaired with the lamp to her brother 's room -- purloined the key a second time -- hastened to the chamber of death -- opened the closet again -- and again sustained the shock of a single glance at its horrors , as she returned the manuscript to the place whence she had originally taken it . Then , having once more retraced her way to Francisco 's chamber , she restored the key to the folds of his doublet -- for he continued to sleep soundly ; and Nisida succeeded in regaining her own apartments just in time to avoid the observation of the domestics , who were now beginning to move about . Nisida sought her couch and slept until nearly ten o'clock , when she awoke with a start -- doubtless caused by some unpleasant dream . Having ascertained the hour by reference to a water-clock , or clepsydra , which stood on a marble pedestal near the head of the bed , she arose -- unlocked the door of her apartment -- rang a silver bell -- and then returned to her bed . In a few minutes Flora , who had been waiting in the adjoining room , entered the chamber . Nisida , on regaining her couch , had turned her face toward the wall , and was therefore unable to perceive anything that took place in the apartment .