nine o'clock
Growing every instant warmer and more content , Julia sat back and let her whole body and soul soak in the comfort and beauty of the hour . Her eyes roved sea and sky and encircling hills ; she saw the last wisp of mist rise and vanish from the stern silhouette of Tamalpais , and saw an early ferryboat cut a wake of exquisite spreading lacework across the bay . And whenever her glance crossed Sally 's , or the doctor 's , or Richie 's glance , she smiled like a happy child , and the Tolands smiled back . They all rushed into the house , ravenous and happy , for a nine o'clock breakfast , Julia so lovely , in her borrowed clothing and with her bright , loosened hair , that the young men of the family began , without exception , to `` show off '' for her benefit , as Theodora scornfully expressed it . And there was bacon and rolls and jam for every one , blue bowls of cereal , glass pitchers of yellow cream , smoking hot coffee always ready to run in an amber stream from the spout of the big silver urn . `` And you must eat at least four waffles , '' said Ned , `` or my father will never let you come again ! He has to drum up trade , you know -- '' It was all delightful , not the less so because it was all tinged , for Julia , with a little current of something exquisitely painful ; not envy , not regret , not resentment , a little of all three .