nearly ten o'clock
`` Mother wo n't expect me back for an hour or two , and Patricia wanted me to see her new dresses . It 'll be a good time . '' Thus thinking , she took the street that led to The Trowbridge , and was presently admiring Patricia 's pretty frocks . Time passed quickly , and it was nearly ten o'clock when she finally started for home . As she rounded the corner below Lady Gay Cottage , she saw her father 's automobile in front , and then the Doctor himself coming down the walk on a run . `` Oh , maybe I can go with him ! '' she thought , and sprang ahead .