eleven o’clock
But Belle was tired of her game , and threw herself boisterously on a young lady who had the `` sweetest enamel necklace in the world , '' and whose ornaments she began to handle and admire in true spoilt-child fashion . Sir Amyas then betook himself to the Major , who saw at once by his eye and step that something was gained . They took leave together , Lady Belamour making a hurried lamentation that she had seen so little of her dear cousin , but accepting her son 's excuse that he must return to his quarters ; and they walked away together escorted by Palmer and Grey , as well as by two link-boys , summer night though it was . Sir Amyas repaired first to the hotel , where Mr. Belamour and Betty were still sitting , for even the fashionable world kept comparatively early hours , and it was not yet eleven o'clock . The parlor where they sat was nearly dark , one candle out and the other shaded so as to produce the dimness which Mr. Belamour still preferred , and they were sitting on either side of the open window , Betty listening to her companion 's reminiscences of the evenings enlivened by poor Aurelia , and of the many traits of her goodness , sweet temper , and intelligence which he had stored up in his mind . He had , he said , already learned through her to know Miss Delavie , and he declared that the voices of the sisters were so much alike that he could have believed himself at Bowstead with the gentle visitor who had brought him new life . The tidings of Lady Arabella 's secret were eagerly listened to , and the token of the mouse-coloured hair was accepted ; Sir Amyas comparing , to every one 's satisfaction , a certain lock that he bore on a chain next his heart , and a little knot , surrounded with diamonds , in a ring , which he had been still wearing from force of habit , though he declared he should never endure to do so again .