about eleven o'clock
The long evening passed away cosily enough , leaving on Herbert 's mind an impression that in choosing to be a barrister he had certainly chosen the noblest walk of life in which a man could earn his bread . Mr. Prendergast did not promise him either fame or fortune , nor did he speak by any means in high enthusiastic language ; he said much of the necessity of long hours , of tedious work , of Amaryllis left by herself in the shade , and of Neæra 's locks unheeded ; but nevertheless he spoke in a manner to arouse the ambition and satisfy the longings of the young man who listened to him . There were much wisdom in what he did , and much benevolence also . And then at about eleven o'clock , Herbert having sat out the second bottle of claret , betook himself to his bed at the lodgings over the covered way . It was not quite at first that the countess could explain to her son how she now wished that Owen Fitzgerald might become her son-in-law . She had been so steadfast in her opposition to Owen when the earl had last spoken of the matter , and had said so much of the wickedly dissipated life which Owen was leading , that she feared to shock the boy . But by degrees she brought the matter round , speaking of Owen 's great good fortune , pointing out how much better he was suited for riches than for poverty , insisting warmly on all his good qualities and high feelings , and then saying at last , as it were without thought , `` Poor Clara !