two o'clock in the morning
They determined , however , to make an attempt to get a little more out of Sir Nicholas by a device which would excite no resentment if it ever transpired , and one which was more suited to the old man 's nature and years . Sir Nicholas thus described it to his wife . `` Last night , my dearest , I had a great honour and consolation . I was awakened suddenly towards two o'clock in the morning by the door of my room opening and a man coming in . It was somewhat dark , and I could not see the man plainly , but I could see that he limped and walked with a stick , and he breathed hard as he entered . I sat up and demanded of him who he was and what he wanted ; and telling me to be still , he said that he was Dr. Storey . You may be sure , sweetheart , that I sprang up at that ; but he would not let me rise ; and himself sat down beside me .