eight o’clock
If I live , I will do my utmost to make her happy -- if I live , I will yet repair all . And , if I die , she will have but little reason to deplore the loss of such a husband . '' Vivian now executed his will -- wrote several letters of business -- burnt letters and arranged papers -- regretted that Russell , who was to be his executor , was not near him -- made many bitter reflections on the past , many good resolutions for the future , in case he should survive ; then , overpowered with fatigue of mind , slept for some time , and was awakened by the clock striking seven . By eight o'clock he was at the place appointed -- Mr. Wharton appeared a few minutes afterwards . Their seconds having measured out the distance , they took their ground . As Vivian had given the challenge , Wharton had the first fire . He fired -- Vivian staggered some paces back , fired his pistol into the air , and fell .