four o'clock in
the morning
the thing to do now is to go and give her a spoonful of quinine ; then we will put a cataplasm on her stomach . '' The good Don Maximo , disguising the presentiment which he felt , succeeded in calming the girl , and he set himself to applying the remedies which his poor science but rich desire suggested . But he was not able to halt the swift approach of death which in full career was fast approaching the noble lady 's couch . At four o'clock in the morning they noticed that she spoke with greater difficulty ; her pronunciation halted , and she often stammered . Almost all her words were directed to Maria , asking her numberless times about the events of the preceding night , and insisting on being told , showering boundless praise on her for her bravery , and congratulating herself on having such a good daughter . `` My daughter , beseech God for my safety ... . God can not ... deny thee anything . ''