nine o'clock
A window in the library looked out upon the avenue , and a carriage approaching could be distinctly seen . Vaura , in the long ago , had frequently sat in this window , to watch the return of her uncle ; aye , and of the man whom she now loved better than life itself . She was sure she could distinguish a conveyance from the village , and the occupants devoid of the gay trappings of revelry , from the guests in their comfortable carriages . Accordingly , as Madame had changed -LRB- for to-night -RRB- , the dinner hour to half-past nine , at nine o'clock , Vaura , a soft beam of loveliness , with light foot-fall , entered the library and took her station at the watch-tower above mentioned . She was scarcely seated ere she was aware she was not the only occupant of what she had felt sure would be a deserted room ; she would have risen , but her heart was there , and the words she heard chained her to the spot ; the voices were those of Mrs. Haughton and of Major Delrose . `` I will have my way , Kate ! '' `` You will , I know ; but ca n't you wait ? ''