four o’clock
The thicker walls of Norman date remained unmoved , partly because of their thickness , and partly because in them stone vaults took the place of wood floors . The tower clock kept manfully going till it had struck one , its face smiling out from the smoke as if nothing were the matter , after which hour something fell down inside , and it went no more . Cunningham Haze , with his body of men , was devoted in his attention , and came up to say a word to our two spectators from time to time . Towards four o'clock the flames diminished , and feeling thoroughly weary , Somerset and Paula remained no longer , returning to Markton as they had come . On their journey they pondered and discussed what course it would be best to pursue in the circumstances , gradually deciding not to attempt rebuilding the castle unless they were absolutely compelled . True , the main walls were still standing as firmly as ever ; but there was a feeling common to both of them that it would be well to make an opportunity of a misfortune , and leaving the edifice in ruins start their married life in a mansion of independent construction hard by the old one , unencumbered with the ghosts of an unfortunate line . ` We will build a new house from the ground , eclectic in style .