the hour of nine
I have deceived your Grace . I was about to bring down shame upon your house , to cause your indignant displeasure , my parents anguish , myself but endless remorseful misery . To save all this , I would return home to implore the forgiveness , the protection of my parents ; they alone can guard me from myself . Oh , if you ever loved my mother , '' she continued , starting up with agony , as the hour of nine chimed on her ear , `` send some one with me , and let me go home . Half an hour more , '' and her voice grew almost inarticulate with suppressed emotion , `` and it may be too late . Mother , mother , if I could but see you once again ! '' `` Before , as the wife or the victim of the Right Honourable Lord Alphingham , you fly from her for ever , and thus reward her cares , her love , her prayers , wretched and deceiving girl , '' sternly and slowly the Duchess said , as she rapidly yet with her usual majesty paced the room , and laid her hand heavily on Caroline 's shoulder , as she sat bowed down with shame before her .