Six o'clock
He was unconscious of his work of destruction , unconscious that Jean 's eyes , lifted now and then from her knitting , noted his fingers weaving in and out of the rosy strands . Ralph talked on . With seeming modesty he spoke of the feats of other men , yet none the less it was Ralph they saw , poised like a bird at incredible heights , looping the loop , fearless , splendid -- beating the air with strong wings . Six o'clock , and at last Ralph rose . Even then he hesitated and hung back , as if he expected that Derry might go with him . But Derry , stiff and straight beside the rose-colored chair , bade him farewell ! And now Derry was alone with Jean !