eleven
o'clock
Hearing his unmistakable step , Regina conjectured that he had escorted the ladies home much earlier than they were accustomed to return , and longing to avoid the possibility of a _ tête-à-tête _ with him , she would gladly have escaped before his entrance had been practicable . He closed the door , and came forward , and , leaning back in the chair where she still sat , her hands closed tightly over each other . `` I fear my ward is learning to keep late hours . It is after eleven o'clock , and you should be dreaming of the cool , beryl , aquatic abodes you have been frequenting as Undine ; for indeed you look a very weary naïad . '' Was he pleased with her success , and would he deem to give her a morsel of commendation ? A moment after , she knew that he entertained no such purpose , and felt that she ought to rejoice ; that it was far best he should not , for praise from his lips would be dangerously sweet . Glancing at the floral tribute laid before her mother 's portrait , he said : `` You certainly are a faithful devotee at your mother 's shrine , and no wonder poor Roscoe is so desperately savage at his failure to engage a portion of your regard .