about eight o'clock
He had persuaded several families to emigrate , and had also persuaded himself that he must go to their destination himself , that he might look out for situations for them , and settle them before the winter came on . He was very busy for some days arranging his affairs ; he meant to be away some time . Mr. Mortimer knew it -- perhaps he knew more , for he said not a word by way of dissuasion , but only seemed rather depressed . The evening , however , before Brandon was to start , as , at about eight o'clock , he sat talking with his step-father , the old man lifted up his head and said to him -- `` You find me quite as clear in my thoughts and quite as well able to express them as usual , do n't you , St. George ? '' `` Yes , '' answered the step-son , feeling , however , a little dismayed , for the wistful earnestness with which this was said was peculiar . `` If you should ever be asked , '' continued Daniel Mortimer , `` you would be able to say that you had seen no signs of mental decay in me these last few months ? '' `` Yes , I should . ''