nine
o'clock
Night came , and at the usual hour she retired , but not to sleep the sweet refreshing sleep that usually locked up her senses . Her thoughts were so active and troubled , that she could not sink away into a quiet slumber until long after midnight . In the morning she felt no better , and , as church time approached , her heart beat more heavily in her bosom . Finally , the nine o'clock bell rang , and every stroke seemed like a knell . At last the hour for assembling came , and Aunt Mary , cast down in heart , repaired to the meeting-house . The pew of Mrs. Tompkins was just in front of Aunt Mary 's , but that lady did not turn around and smile and give her hand as usual when she entered . All this Aunt Mary felt .