eight o'clock
She was fast asleep , half sitting , half lying , with her head on the cushions , and the tears wet on her cheeks . He hesitated between a wish to see her in a more comfortable position , and an unwillingness to disturb her . Finally , he took an eider-down quilt from the bed , and wrapped it round her ; then slipped noiselessly from the room . It was past eight o'clock . * * * * * Ephie ran down the stairs as if a spectre were at her heels , and even when in the street , did not venture to slacken her speed . Although the dusk was rapidly passing into dark , a good deal of notice was attracted by the sight of a well-dressed young girl running along , holding a handkerchief to her face , and every now and then emitting a loud sob . People stood and stared after her , and some little boys ran with her .