four o'clock
Norma began to hear , on all sides , respectful and sympathetic references to `` the family . '' The family felt this , and would like that , the family was not seeing any one , the family must be protected and considered in every way . The privileged old friends talked with strange men in the lower hall , and were heard saying `` I suppose so '' dubiously , to questions of hats and veils and carriages and the church . Chris was gone all day , but at four o'clock an urgent message was sent him , and he and Acton came into Mrs. Melrose 's room about half an hour later , for the end . His face was ghastly , and he seemed almost unable to understand what was said to him , but he was very quiet . Norma never forgot the scene . She knelt on one side of the bed , praying with all the concentration and fervour that she could rally under the circumstances .