one o'clock
The family had retired to rest . Headland , however , was sitting up , feeling no inclination to sleep , and having numerous subjects to occupy his mind . He looked at his watch . It was one o'clock . `` After all , the only course which honour dictates lies straight before me . I would not persuade Julia to marry me without her father 's consent ; and if he withholds it I shall remain pledged to her , and go to sea till he withdraws his opposition . '' At that moment the hall door bell rang a loud peal .