the hour of two
It did not seem possible that she could be the same person , with her dark , revengeful face , her contracted brow , fiercely gleaming eyes , and that cruel , bitter curl upon her lips , who , in all the glory of her beauty and powers of fascination , had been the centre of attraction in Alexander Merrill 's elegant residence less than two hours previous . It almost seemed as if she must be possessed of a dual nature , similar to that so cleverly represented in the story of `` Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde . '' Then , she had been all smiles , and sweetness , and graciousness , a vision of delight , a presence that charmed and pleased every one with whom she came in contact ; now , she was transformed into a beautiful fiend , with a nature of spite and fury , and cruel revenge written upon every delicate feature . She sat there in the glow of the firelight until the gilded clock on the mantel chimed the hour of two ; then , with passion and pain showing themselves in her every movement , she arose , and without undressing , threw herself upon her bed , and wept herself to sleep . * * * * * Mona was gradually becoming accustomed to her new life , although it was so very different from the almost charmed existence which she had hitherto led , and had it not been for her grief for her uncle and on account of Ray 's seeming neglect and indifference , she would not have been unhappy in her position . Mrs. Montague was not unreasonable -- she did not overwork her , although there was always plenty of sewing to be done . She rather enjoyed being busy , on the whole , while she experienced a great deal of satisfaction in knowing that she could be independent ; she even felt something of pride , in thus rising above the adverse circumstances that had so unexpectedly overtaken her .