about nine
o'clock
I exclaimed , and I fairly clung against his shoulder while his strong , rough hand folded over mine as the husk did over the hollyhock seeds I had been holding warm and moist in my palm . `` All of them , and then some , Betty , '' he answered , blowing away a wisp of my hair that he had again roughed up instead of shaking hands in greeting , despite my reproof . `` I 'll plow up that southern plot for you just after daylight to-morrow , and every minute I can take from grubbing at the things I have to work to make the eats for all of us I 'll put in on the posy-garden for you . '' `` I 'm much obliged to you for the plowing , but I 'll be out at about nine o'clock and I 'll bring my own spade and hoe and rake and things . I think I 'll take those two young white lilacs that are crowded over by the fence in the front yard to start the garden . Do n't you think lilacs would be a lovely corner for a garden like my grandmother 's , Sam ? '' `` I -- I think it would be nice to -- plant the hollyhock seeds you have in your hand the first thing , Betty , '' answered Sam , with the gridiron smolder in his eyes which snapped up into a twinkle as he added , `` Could you help me set onions for a few hours later on ? ''