eleven o'clock
said Lady Mary . `` He has been silently combating a mortal disease for many months past , '' said John , `` and to-morrow morning the issue is to be decided . Every day , every hour of delay , increases the danger . The great surgeon , Dr. Herslett , will be here at eleven o'clock , and on the success of the operation he will perform , hangs the thread of your husband 's life . '' Lady Mary put up a little trembling hand entreatingly , and John 's great heart throbbed with pity . He had chosen his words deliberately to startle her from her absorption in her son ; but she looked so fragile , so white , so imploring , that his courage almost failed him . He came to her side , and took the little hand reassuringly in his strong , warm clasp .