two o’clock
Nor did he long . To none else did her father that night reveal the purport of this singular disclosure , except to Mrs. Sinclair herself -- but the next morning before breakfast , the secret had been made known to the rest . All trouble and difficulty , as to the conduct they should pursue , were removed in consequence of Osborne 's intention to ask his father to sanction their attachment , and until the consequence of that step should be known , nothing further on their part could be attempted . On this point , however , they were not permitted to remain long in suspense , for ere two o'clock that day , Mr. Osborne had , in the name of his son , proposed for the hand of our fair girl , which proposal we need scarcely say was instantly and joyfully accepted . It is true , their immediate union was not contemplated . Both were much too youthful and inexperienced to undertake the serious duties of married life , but it was arranged that Osborne , whose health , besides , was not sufficiently firm , should travel , see the world , and strengthen his constitution by the genial air of a warmer and more salubrious climate . Alas !