eight o'clock
Her faith in Monica 's protestations had been much shaken by the item of intelligence which Virginia secretly communicated ; she thought it too likely that her unhappy sister saw no refuge from disgrace but in stubborn denial of guilt . And in the undertaking that was before her she had no hope save through the influence of religion -- with her a much stronger force than with either of the others . Her arrival was expected on the last day of September . The evening before , Monica went to bed soon after eight o'clock ; for a day or two she had suffered greatly , and at length had allowed a doctor to be called . Whenever her sister retired very early , Virginia also went to her own bedroom , saying that she preferred to sit there . The room much surpassed in comfort that which she had occupied at Mrs. Conisbee 's ; it was spacious , and provided with a couple of very soft armchairs . Having locked her door , Virginia made certain preparations which had nothing to do with natural repose .