two o'clock
A few hours later , all was dark and silent within the castle . On the stone walks below , the steady tread of sentinels rose on the still air ; in the hallways the trusted guardsmen glided about like spectres or stood like statues . An hour before the great edifice had been bright and full of animation ; now it slumbered . It was two o'clock . The breath of roses scented the air , the gurgle of fountains was the only music that touched the ear . Beverly Calhoun , dismissing Aunt Fanny , stepped from her window out upon the great stone balcony . A rich oriental dressing-gown , loose and comfortable , was her costume .