three o'clock
Not to be done , Mrs. Devine installed herself in the kitchen to superintend the cooking . Less for the patient , into whom at first only liquid nourishment could be injected , than : `` To see as your own strength is kep ' up , dearie . '' Tilly swooped down and bore off Trotty . Delicate fruits , new-laid eggs , jellies and wines came from Agnes Ocock ; while Amelia Grindle , who had no such dainties to offer arrived every day at three o'clock , to mind the house while Mary slept . Archdeacon Long was also a frequent visitor , bringing not so much spiritual as physical aid ; for , as the frenzy reached its height and Richard was maddened by the idea that a plot was brewing against his life , a pair of strong arms were needed to hold him down . Over and above this , letters of sympathy flowed in ; grateful patients called to ask with tears in their eyes how the doctor did ; virtual strangers stopped the servant in the street with the same query . Mary was sometimes quite overwhelmed by the kindness people showed her .