nearly eleven o'clock
Wishing to humor her as far as possible he always answered that he would if he knew what she meant . Nina felt that she must not explain , and with vigilant cunning she studied how to achieve her end without betraying Arthur . It came to her one night , and whispering to Edith , `` I am going to get it fixed , '' she glided from the room and sought the library where she was sure of finding Richard . It was nearly eleven o'clock , but he had not yet retired , and with his head bent forward he sat in his accustomed place , the fire-light shining on his face , which had grown fearfully haggard and white within the last two weeks . He heard Nina 's step , and knowing who it was , asked if Edith were worse . `` No , '' returned Nina , `` she 'll live , too , If you 'll only scratch it out . '' He was tired of asking what she meant , and he made no answer .