the hour of eleven
They held their own so well that the major 's spirits rose hourly . He forgot his wound in the complete absorption of his favorite recreation . As opportunity occurred Graham could not keep his eyes from wandering here and there about the apartment that had so taken his fancy , especially toward the large , well-filled bookcase and the pictures , which , if not very expensive , had evidently been the choice of a cultivated taste . They were brought to a consciousness of the flight of time by a clock chiming out the hour of eleven , and the old soldier with a sigh of regret saw Mrs. Mayburn rise . Miss St. John touched a silver bell , and a moment later the same negress who had reminded her of her father 's impatience early in the evening entered with a tray bearing a decanter of wine , glasses , and some wafer-like cakes . `` Have I earned the indulgence of a glance at your books ? '' Graham asked .