nearly twelve o'clock
Where she felt her superiority , she made no pretence of appearing femininely humble . Yet persons like Mrs. Delph , who kept themselves in shadow and spoke only with simple kindness , knew well how unassuming Cecily was , and with what deference she spoke when good feeling dictated it . Or again , there was her manner with the people who , by the very respect with which they inspired her , gave her encouragement to speak without false restraint ; such as Mr. Bird , the art critic , a grizzle-headed man with whom she sat for a quarter of an hour this evening , looking her very brightest and talking in her happiest vein , yet showing all the time her gratitude for what she learnt from his conversation . It was nearly twelve o'clock when Mrs. Travis , who had made one or two careless efforts to draw near to Cecily , succeeded in speaking a word aside with her . `` I hope you did n't go to see me yesterday ? I left home in the morning , and am staying with friends at Hampstead , not far from you . '' `` For long ? ''