nine o'clock
During the evening she exerted herself , as usual , to captivate him , and bring him to her feet . She sang -- she played -- she liberally displayed the graces of her person , and the charms of her accomplished mind , but still in vain . -- There he sat , with folded arms , in deep abstraction , gazing at the elaborate figures on the gorgeous carpet . At nine o'clock , Montoni arose , and took the lady 's hand to bid her adieu . She gently detained him , and drew him towards her upon the sofa . ` Listen to me , Montoni ; ' said she , gazing into his eyes with an expression of deep fondness -- ` listen to me , and I will speak calmly if I can , though my heart is beating in wild tumult . Call me unwomanly , bold , wanton if you will , for making this declaration -- _ but I love you !