ten o'clock
It brought back old loves and old hates ; it suggested memories which had lain dormant for years , but now rose before him clothed in fresh power , as vivid as the events from which they flowed . There was trouble in these memories , and the General 's mind was agitated , and in his agitation he left the chair and paced the room . He rang for lights , and after they came he seated himself at the table , took paper and pens , and began to lose himself in calculations . Some time passed , when at length ten o'clock came , and the General heard a faint tap at the door . It was so faint that he could barely hear it , and at first supposed it to be either his fancy or else one of the death-watches making a somewhat louder noise than usual . He took no further notice of it , but went on with his occupation , when he was again interrupted by a louder knock . This time there was no mistake .