nine o'clock
`` On my word of honor , '' replied the chairman ; and he could not help it if his words and tone sounded rather bombastic . `` But , I am sorry , my dear lady -- but I have a very important engagement at this hour -- a personal matter , very dear to my heart , which compels me to ask you to excuse me now . I shall be glad to call upon you tomorrow morning , at any hour you may name . '' `` Can you make it nine o'clock , '' asked Gertrude -- `` or even earlier ? '' `` Yes , we must get definitely to work tomorrow morning , '' added Joyce . `` Certainly , nine -- or half past eight , if you choose , '' said Mann . `` In the meantime I will try to recall the minutest particulars of my connection with this office .