ten o'clock
My ardent desire to please him ; the timidity so natural to a young man , who feels that the fate of his heart depends on the judgment passed upon him ; the fear that it might not be favorable ; the presence of Julie , which disconcerted though it encouraged me ; and all the shades of thought so plainly legible in my modest attitude and my flushed cheeks , -- spoke in my favor better than I could have done myself . The old man took my hand with a paternal gesture , and said , `` Compose yourself ; and consider that you have two friends in this house , instead of one . Julie could not have better chosen a brother , and I would not choose another son . '' He embraced me , and we talked together as if he had known me from my childhood , until an old servant came at ten o'clock , according to his invariable custom , to give him the help of his arm on the stair , and lead him back to his own apartment . His was a beautiful and attractive old age , to which nothing was wanting but the security of a morrow . It was so disinterested and parental , that it in no wise offended the eye , though associated with a young and lovely woman . It was as an evening shade upon the bloom of morning ; but one felt that it was a protecting shade , sheltering but not withering her youth , beauty , and innocence .