about ten o'clock
Sensitive and amiable as were the daughters of the American Governor , it was not to be supposed that they parted without regret from men in whose society they had recently passed so many agreeable hours , and for two of whom they had insensibly formed preferences . Not , however , that that parting was to be considered final , for both Molineux and Villiers had promised to avail themselves of the first days of peace , to procure leave of absence , and revisit them in their native country . The feeling of disappointment acknowledged by the sisters , was much more perceptible in Gerald Grantham and Miss Montgomerie , both of whom became more thoughtful and abstracted , as the period of separation drew nearer . It was about ten o'clock on the evening immediately preceding that on which they expected to gain their destination , that , as Gerald leaned ruminating over the side of the schooner , then going at the slow rate of two knots an hour , he fancied be heard voices , in a subdued tone , ascending apparently from the quarter of the vessel in which Desborough was confined . He listened attentively for a few moments , but even the slight gurgling of the water , as it was thrown from the prow , prevented further recognition . Deeming it possible that the sounds might not proceed from the place of confinement of the settler , but from the cabin which it adjoined , and with which it communicated , he was for a short time undecided whether or not he should disturb the party already retired to rest , by descending and passing into the room occupied by his prisoner . Anxiety to satisfy himself that the latter was secure determined him , and he had already planted a foot on the companion-ladder , when his further descent was arrested by Miss Montgomerie , who appeared emerging from the opening , bonneted and cloaked , as with a view of continuing on deck .