eleven
o'clock
It was very late -- past ten o'clock -- but I was not allowed to go up to bed at once . Supper was ready , my father said , and I should come into the dining-room , and have it with him and Dr. Wilson . Accordingly , in spite of all remonstrances of nurse , who put in her appearance , and thought fit to reflect upon the utter impropriety of such late hours , I went to supper ; and felt , moreover , greatly refreshed and strengthened by it , sitting there close by my father 's side , and rejoicing every moment of the time in the feeling as of a great deliverance . So it came to pass that my second night did not begin until eleven o'clock . Aleck was a long time getting well . He had to be nursed and taken care of all through that winter , only gradually making little steps towards recovery . It was quite a festival when he was first carried down-stairs ; and then again when he was taken out in the carriage for a drive , lying at full length upon a sort of couch which we erected for him , and to which he declared , in my anxiety to make him comfortable , I had contributed all the sofa cushions in the house .