nine o'clock
But all those little sounds ceased , one after another -- they had meant nothing ; and each time , her spirit returning -- within the pale walls of the room , began once more to inhabit her lingering fingers . During that hour in her bedroom she lived through years . It was dark when she left it . CHAPTER XVI When Miltoun at last came it was past nine o'clock . Silent , but quivering all over ; she clung to him in the hall ; and this passion of emotion , without sound to give it substance , affected him profoundly . How terribly sensitive and tender she was ! She seemed to have no armour .