the hour of four
`` Well , speaking for myself , I am more than willing to relinquish any share I might have had for the boy 's sake , and I do n't suppose , Thornton , that you have any objections to raise on Edith 's account . '' `` Oh , no , no , '' replied that gentleman , with a pleasant laugh . `` I never considered Hugh a bad son-in-law to begin with , but I 'll admit he is a little more attractive now than ever . '' The little clock on the marble mantel chimed the hour of four , causing a general movement of surprise . '' ` Pon my soul ! had no idea it was that late , '' exclaimed Mr. Thornton , taking out his watch , while Hugh Mainwaring , touching an electric button , replied , -- `` This business has detained us much longer than I anticipated . I will give some instructions to the head clerk , and we will leave at once . ''