eight
o'clock
I must consider . '' He flung away in deepest perturbation , leaving her with a sense that life was slipping from her . That late September evening , as she sat stricken in her room , hoping against hope for at least another glimpse of him , Dona Maria de Grado brought word that Espinosa was even then in the convent in Frey Miguel 's cell . Fearful lest he should be smuggled thence without her seeing him , And careless of the impropriety of the hour -- it was already eight o'clock and dusk was falling -- she at once dispatched Roderos to the friar , bidding him bring Espinosa to her in the parlour . The friar obeyed , and the lovers -- they were no less by now -- came face to face in anguish . `` My lord , my lord , '' she cried , casting all prudence to the winds , `` what is decided ? '' `` That I leave in the morning , '' he answered .