eleven o’clock
And what would take place now ? They left the grassy plateau and started up the steep and rocky mule-path , Don Clemente in front , and Benedetto following close behind ; both silent and with stormy souls , while the deep voice of the Anio answered their thoughts . At a bend of the path they see the lights of distant Subiaco . Only a few , however , so it is probably eleven o'clock ! Presently a dark corner of the inclosure of Santa Scolastica looms before the wayfarers . Benedetto is thinking by what a mysterious way God has led him from the _ logge _ at Praglia , where Jeanne tempted and conquered him , to this toilsome ascent amidst the gloom towards another holy spot , with Jeanne near , and his heart anchored in Christ . In the meantime , the reasons for practical prudence which pressed upon Don Clemente at this time of distress , and the reasons for ideal holiness which in calmer moments he had taught his beloved disciple , were contending for supremacy over Benedetto 's will , no longer so steadfast as in the beginning ; the first striving at close quarters , and with imperious violence ; the second , from a distance and by means only of their stern and sad beauty .