three o'clock
In this part of the house Corona established herself with Sister Gabrielle , and began to lead a life of regular occupations and profound retirement , which seemed to be rather a continuation of her existence in the convent where she had been educated as a girl , than to form any part in the life of the superb Duchessa d'Astrardente , who for five years had been one of the most conspicuous persons in society . Every morning at eight o'clock the two ladies , always clad in deep black , attended the Mass which was celebrated for them in the palace chapel . Then Corona walked for an hour with her companion upon the terrace , or , if it rained , beneath the covered balconies upon the south side . The morning hours she passed in solitude , reading such books of devotion and serious matter as most suited the sad temper of her mind ; precisely at mid-day she and Sister Gabrielle breakfasted together in a sort of solemn state ; and at three o'clock the great landau , with its black horses and mourning liveries , stood under the inner gate . The two ladies appeared five minutes later , and by a gesture Corona indicated whether she would be driven up or down the valley . The dashing equipage descended the long smooth road that wound through the town , and returned invariably at the end of two hours , again ascended the tortuous way , and disappeared beneath the dark entrance . At six o'clock dinner was served , with the same solemn state as attended the morning meal ; Corona and Sister Gabrielle remained together until ten , and the day was over .