the hour of nine
Her mother came in and found her there . `` Why , Mattie , how 's your head ? '' `` I 'm going to take a walk and see what that will do . '' As she walked rapidly out of Dean Street , the great clock of the cathedral was striking the hour of nine . `` Goodness ! '' she exclaimed , `` that 's too early to call on a gentleman . What shall I do ? ''