nine o'clock
Although beginning to gain ground in the good opinion of the people , I am by no means yet a favorite . This curate and I scarcely speak ; but I hope that in the course of time , both he and they will begin to find , that by kindness and a sincere love for their welfare on my part , good-will and affection will ultimately be established among us . At least , there shall be nothing left undone , so far as I am concerned , to effect it . '' It was now near nine o'clock , and my brother was beginning to relate an anecdote concerning the clergyman who had preceded Father Molloy in the parish , when a messenger from Mr. Wilson , already alluded to , came up in breathless haste , requesting the priest , for God 's sake , to go down into town instantly , as the Kellys and the Grimeses were engaged in a fresh quarrel . `` My God ! '' he exclaimed -- `` when will this work have an end ? But , to tell you the truth , gentlemen , I apprehended it ; and I fear that something still more fatal to the parties will yet be the consequence .