the hour of eleven
All my evenings during the past four years have been spent in the drawing-school , and where , during the last two years I have , a portion of each night , served as a teacher . '' He pointed out to Violet several of his own designs , all of which , she could readily see , were very fine , and some exceedingly beautiful . While discussing some point , Violet casually compared it with something that she had seen in ancient structures abroad , and this led them to enlarge upon the architecture of the old country , until they grew very free and friendly in their conversation . Neither was aware how rapidly time was passing , until the clock struck the hour of eleven ; then , with a sudden start , the young girl exclaimed that she must get back to her own room at once , or run the risk of being scolded should the nurse find her there . `` I can get back to my chair much more quickly , Mr. Richardson , if you will help me , '' she said , with an arch look , as she arose from her seat by the window ; and Wallace , with another thrill of delight , gave her his well arm and assisted her to cross the room , a feat which she accomplished much more easily than before . When he had seated her comfortably , she gave him a roughish glance , and remarked , playfully : `` I suppose it is polite for people to return calls , is n't it , Mr. Richardson ? '' He laughed out heartily , and thought her the most bewitching little piece of humanity he had ever seen .