six o'clock
As we observed , when they retired to the saloon , Mynheer Krause very shortly quitted them , to attend to his affairs below , desiring his daughter to exert herself for the amusement of his guest ; the contrary , however , was the case , for Ramsay exerted himself to amuse her , and very soon was successful , for he could talk of courts and kings , of courtiers and of people , and of a thousand things , all interesting to a young girl who had lived secluded ; and as his full-toned voice , in measured and low pitch , fell upon Wilhelmina 's ear , she never perhaps was so much interested . She seldom ventured a remark , except it was to request him to proceed ; and the eloquent language with which Ramsay clothed his ideas added a charm to the novelty of his conversation . In the course of two hours Ramsay had already acquired a moral influence over Wilhelmina , who looked up to him with respect , and another feeling which we can only define by saying that it was certainly anything but ill-will . The time passed so rapidly , that the two young people could hardly believe it possible that it was past six o'clock , when they were interrupted by the appearance of Mynheer Krause , who came from his counting-house , the labours of the day being over . In the summer-time it was his custom to take his daughter out in the carriage at this hour , but the weather was too cold , and , moreover , it was nearly dark . A conversation ensued on general topics , which lasted till supper-time ; after this repast was over Wilhelmina retired , leaving Ramsay and the syndic alone . It was then that Ramsay made known to his host the contents of the despatches , much to Mynheer Krause 's surprise and delight , who felt assured that his guest must be strong in the confidence of the English Government , to be able to communicate such intelligence .