nine
o'clock
`` No , mother , '' said Reginald , in a tone which meant , `` I would rather you did not ask me . '' And Mrs Cruden did not ask . `` I think , '' said she , as they stopped at their door -- `` I almost think , boys , we ought to return the Shucklefords ' call . It 's only nine o'clock . We might go in for a few minutes . I know you do n't care about it ; but we must not be rude , you know . What do you think , Reg ? ''