the hour of eight
And then he looked at the paper containing the notice of her tragic death , which Daisy had read and carefully saved . Surely no blame could be attached to Rex , in the face of these proofs . He was sorry for the beautiful , haughty heiress , to whom this terrible news would be a great shock ; he was sorry for Rex , he had grown so warmly attached to him of late , but he felt still more sorry for the fair child-bride , toward whom he felt such a yearning , sympathetic pity . The great bell in the tower slowly pealed the hour of eight , with a dull , heavy clang , and he suddenly realized what was to be done must be done at once . `` I must send for both Rex and Pluma , '' he said , laying his hands on the beautiful , bowed head ; `` but , if it will comfort you to be unobserved during the interview , you shall have your wish . '' He motioned her to one of the curtained recesses , and placed her in an easy-chair . He saw she was trembling violently .