half after two
`` Nay , now I must insist upon it , '' said she to Mr. Mountague , as he stooped again -- `` you shall not plague yourself any longer . '' And in her anxiety to prevent him from plaguing himself any longer , she laid upon his arm the white hand , which he had an instant before so much admired . Whether all Mr. Mountague 's sober contempt of coquetry was , at this moment , the prevalent feeling in his mind , we can not presume to determine ; we must only remark , that the remainder of the evening was devoted to Lady Augusta ; he sat beside her at supper , and paid her a thousand compliments , which Helen in vain endeavoured to persuade herself meant nothing more than -- `` I am , madam , your obedient , humble servant . '' `` It is half after two , '' said Mrs. Temple , when she rose to go . `` Half after two ! '' said Mr. Mountague , as he handed Mrs. Temple to her carriage -- `` bless me ! can it be so late ? ''