Two o’clock
In the library , the remainder of the military guests were amusing themselves at a billiard-table until the signing of the contract should take place , while Danville and his future father-in-law walked up and down the room together , the first listening absently , the last talking with all his accustomed energy , and with more than his accustomed allowance of barrack-room expletives . The general had taken it into his head to explain some of the clauses in the marriage-contract to the bridegroom , who , though far better acquainted with their full scope and meaning than his father-in-law , was obliged to listen for civility 's sake . While the old soldier was still in the midst of his long and confused harangue , a clock struck on the library mantel-piece . `` Two o'clock ! '' exclaimed Danville , glad of any pretext for interrupting the talk about the contract . `` Two o'clock ; and my mother not here yet ! What can be delaying her ? ''