one o'clock
Burmese plays are not always decorous ; this particular performance was an odd mixture of ancient and modern . The lovers , who were , as usual , princes and princesses , played stately roles and moved about with majestic dignity and in gorgeous raiment -- their prototypes dated from the days of Buddha ; on the other hand , the clown and the country men , who enacted the parts of villains and devils , were essentially modern -- as quick with patter songs and up-to-date local events and jokes as the cleverest music-hall artist . At intervals the weird Burmese band , with its clashing cymbals , harps and clarions , discoursed the latest Burmese operatic airs . It was one o'clock and the great bell in the heart of the Pagoda had throbbed out its long deep note , when Mrs. Gregory rose and collected her party . `` I 'm so sorry I ca n't take you with me , '' she said to Sophy . `` I hope your German friends will not remain all night . However , I shall depute Mr. Shafto to look after you .