ten o'clock
The strong tension she had put on herself gave way during that hour , for she groaned often and heavily , though tears were very far from her eyes . At the end of about an hour she got up , bathed her face and hands in cold water , drank a cup of tea , and put some coals on a fire in the grate . She then pulled out her watch . Yes ; she gave a sigh of relief -- it was not yet ten o'clock , she had the best part of twelve hours before her in which to prepare to meet her father at breakfast . In these hours she must think , she must resolve , she must prepare herself for action . She sat down opposite the little cheerful fire which , warm though the night was , was grateful to her in her chilled state of mind and body . Looking into its light she allowed thought to have full dominion over her .