seven
o'clock
On hearing this , Betty Aikin 's cheek became scarlet , and as it is useless to disguise the fact , several flashing glances that partook more of a Penthesilean fire than the fearful spirit which usually characterizes the industrious pursuits of Minerva , were shot at generous Dora , who sustained her portion of the contest with singular spirit and temper . `` You may as well give it up , Dora M'Mahon , '' exclaimed Betty ; `` there never was one of your blood could open against an Aikins -- the stuff is not in you to beat me . '' `` A very little time will soon tell that , '' replied Dora ; `` but indeed , Betty , if I am doin ' my best to win the kemp , I hope it 's not in a bad or unfriendly spirit , but in one of fair play and good humor . '' The contest now went on for about fifteen minutes , with surpassing interest and animation , at the expiration of which period , the seven o'clock bell already alluded to , rang the hour for closing their labors and determining the victory . Thus stood their relative position -- Dora M'Mahon , four hanks and three cuts ; Betty Aikins , four hanks ; Hanna Cavanagh , three hanks and nine cuts ; Peggy Bailly , three hanks and eight cuts . When this result was made known , Betty Aikins burst into a loud fit of grief , in which she sobbed as if her very heart would break , and Kathleen stooping down , congratulated the beautiful girl upon her victory , kissing her at the same time as she spoke -- an act of love and kindness in which she would have joyfully been followed by several of her male friends , if they had dared to take that delicious liberty . The moment of victory , we believe , is that which may be relied upon as the test of true greatness .