nine o'clock
`` He is only frightened and fatigued . Put him to bed at once in your room , and then let me take you to see little Jessie . If you fail to go , you might reproach yourself in coming years . '' It was nine o'clock when the carriage stopped at the door of the Asylum , and Salome and Dr. Grey went up to the `` Infirmary , '' where the faithful matron sat beside one of the little beds , watching the deep slumber of the flushed and exhausted sleeper . The disease had almost spent its force , the crisis was passed , and the attending physician had pronounced the patient much better ; still , when Salome stooped to kiss her sister , the matron held her back , assuring her that perfect quiet was essential for her recovery . Kneeling there beside the motherless girl , Salome noted the changes that time and suffering had wrought on the delicate features ; and , as she listened to the quick , irregular breathing , the fountain of tenderness was suddenly unsealed in her own nature , and she put out her arms , yearning to clasp Jessie to her heart . So strong were her emotions , so keen was her regret for past indifference and neglect , that she lost all self-control , and , unable to check her passionate weeping , Dr. Grey led her from the room , promising to bring her again when the sick child was sufficiently strong to bear the interview .