eleven o'clock
There was no interruption from visitors , she was tormented by the discussion of no disagreeable subjects , the duel was not mentioned , the antagonists were not hinted at , she was teized with no self-sufficient encouragement , and wearied with no mortifying affability ; the conversation at once was lively and rational , and though general , was rendered interesting , by a reciprocation of good-will and pleasure in the conversers . The favourable opinion she had conceived both of the mother and the son this long visit served to confirm : in Mrs Delvile she found strong sense , quick parts , and high breeding ; in Mortimer , sincerity and vivacity joined with softness and elegance ; and in both there seemed the most liberal admiration of talents , with an openness of heart that disdained all disguise . Greatly pleased with their manners , and struck with all that was apparent in their characters , she much regretted the prejudice of Mr Monckton , which now , with the promise she had given him , was all that opposed her making an immediate effort towards a change in her abode . She did not take her leave till eleven o'clock , when Mrs Delvile , after repeatedly thanking her for her visit , said she would not so much encroach upon her good nature as to request another till she had waited upon her in return ; but added , that she meant very speedily to pay that debt , in order to enable herself , by friendly and frequent meetings , to enter upon the confidential commission with which her guardian had entrusted her . Cecilia was pleased with the delicacy which gave rise to this forbearance , yet having in fact nothing either to relate or conceal , she was rather sorry than glad at the delay of an explanation , since she found the whole family was in an error with respect to the situation of her affairs . BOOK THREE Cecilia , upon her return home , heard with some surprise that Mr and Mrs Harrel were by themselves in the drawing-room ; and , while she was upon the stairs , Mrs Harrel ran out , calling eagerly , `` Is that my brother ? ''