half past eight o'clock
`` WHAT pleasure , '' cried Mr. Eldridge , as he stepped into the chaise to go for his grand-daughter , `` what pleasure expands the heart of an old man when he beholds the progeny of a beloved child growing up in every virtue that adorned the minds of her parents . I foolishly thought , some few years since , that every sense of joy was buried in the graves of my dear partner and my son ; but my Lucy , by her filial affection , soothed my soul to peace , and this dear Charlotte has twined herself round my heart , and opened such new scenes of delight to my view , that I almost forget I have ever been unhappy . '' When the chaise stopped , he alighted with the alacrity of youth ; so much do the emotions of the soul influence the body . It was half past eight o'clock ; the ladies were assembled in the school room , and Madame Du Pont was preparing to offer the morning sacrifice of prayer and praise , when it was discovered , that Mademoiselle and Charlotte were missing . `` She is busy , no doubt , '' said the governess , `` in preparing Charlotte for her little excursion ; but pleasure should never make us forget our duty to our Creator . Go , one of you , and bid them both attend prayers . '' The lady who went to summon them , soon returned , and informed the governess , that the room was locked , and that she had knocked repeatedly , but obtained no answer .