eleven
o'clock
To Captain Trevalyon 's relief , Vaura asked him to sing something , and seeing it was hopeless just now , to have a word with Lady Esmondet , he hoped when his song was over and their glass of champagne drank , there would be a general exodus ere it was time for him to leave ; so he moved towards the piano , and playing his own accompaniment , sang one of Moore 's melodies , `` Farewell , but whenever you welcome the hour . '' Vaura sat at a small table near the piano . Sir Dennis , with the sanguineness of his race , thought she was interested in his chit-chat and in a book of Italian views , but her thoughts were with Lionel , for she caught his eye , and `` minds run in grooves , '' and he knew that she under stood , his silent farewell ; she felt her heart ache , and would have risen and gone to him , but `` men may suffer and women may weep , '' but the conventionalities must be attended to , or the mighty god , society , stares and frowns ; and so Lionel sung parting words to the woman he loved , and to his friend ; and surely Moore would have been moved to tears had he heard the depth of feeling thrown into his words . When he was singing , the silver chimes softly rang eleven o'clock , so knowing he had no time to lose , he quietly left the room . Vaura 's heart throbbed quickly for she thought , `` he has gone . '' But the Marchmonts , much to her relief and Lady Esmondet , saying they must `` really tear themselves away , '' a rather prolonged leave-taking took place between Reverend Robert Douglas and Miss Marchmont , into which Mrs. Marchmont was drawn . `` Well , I do n't know , Miranda sweet , '' she says , `` that I can promise to take you to St. Augustine service tomorrow afternoon .