nine o’clock
She feared for a state of mind so barren of affection , so unsoftened by tears . Besides , it was the climax of a condition which had continued ever since she had sent her boy away without a word of love . In the dim corridor outside she sat still , listening for any noise or movement which might demand help or sympathy . It was not nine o'clock ; but the time lengthened itself out beyond endurance . Even yet she had hope of some word from her father . Surely , they would let him send some word to them ! She heard the murmur of voices downstairs , and she thought angrily of Rachela , and Molly , and Manuel , `` making a little confidence together '' over their trouble , and spicing their evening gossip with the strange thing that had happened to the Senor Doctor .