the
hour of eleven
Her weariness of her father 's academic plans presaged her disillusion in regard to Emmet 's career , even if he had been what she first imagined him . Her colossal egotism demanded everything from a man , and was prepared to give nothing in return , except the precarious possession of herself . Yet what man , fascinated by the mysterious unrest and nocturnal splendour of her eyes , would not gladly pay for that possession whatever price she might demand ? Presently , when their silence had again become awkward , she began to speak of impersonal things ; of the strange transformation of the night , lately so oppressive and obscure , now so dazzlingly serene ; of the carrying power of sound in the stillness about -- a dog 's barking , the distant notes of the bell in the tower of the First Church striking the hour of eleven . As they passed the Hall , she saw that the windows of Leigh 's room were again dark , and imagined that he had taken advantage of the clearing atmosphere to ascend to the top of the tower and resume his observations . Emmet , following the direction of her eyes upward , divined her thought . `` The professor is probably looking at the moon through his telescope , '' he remarked .