the hour of eight
`` Here he comes ! '' exclaimed Sinang , pinching Maria Clara . `` Do n't you hear him ? '' The church bell boomed out the hour of eight and all rose to pray . Padre Salvi offered up a prayer in a weak and trembling voice , but as each was busy with his own thoughts no one paid any attention to the priest 's agitation . Scarcely had the prayer ceased when Ibarra appeared . The youth was in mourning not only in his attire but also in his face , to such an extent that , on seeing him , Maria Clara arose and took a step toward him to ask what the matter was .