nine o'clock
Satisfied with this arrangement , Matthew pulled his forelock and said good night , and Barbara prepared for bed . Folks kept better hours in those days than we now do . First she peeped in at the sleeping children . Then she talked long and earnestly with the cook concerning the morrow 's programme , and at nine o'clock she climbed to her room . Barbara , however , could not sleep ; so , after an hour or two had passed , she rose , lit a candle , threw on a wrap , and descended the broad staircase , intent upon a queer and enthralling Spanish book -- the story of a mad knight and his comic , matter-of-fact attendant , which was a favourite of her father 's . The book was wont to stand in a corner of the library close to his hand as he sat writing by the window , and , opening the door , Barbara crossed the floor with her hand outstretched to take it . So familiar was she with the mad knight 's position on the shelves that she carried no light .