nine o'clock
`` Come cheer up , my love , '' said the governess ; `` I believe I have brought a cordial to revive them . I have just received a letter from your good mama , and here is one for yourself . '' Charlotte hastily took the letter : it contained these words -- `` As to-morrow is the anniversary of the happy day that gave my beloved girl to the anxious wishes of a maternal heart , I have requested your governess to let you come home and spend it with us ; and as I know you to be a good affectionate child , and make it your study to improve in those branches of education which you know will give most pleasure to your delighted parents , as a reward for your diligence and attention I have prepared an agreeable surprise for your reception . Your grand-father , eager to embrace the darling of his aged heart , will come in the chaise for you ; so hold yourself in readiness to attend him by nine o'clock . Your dear father joins in every tender wish for your health and future felicity , which warms the heart of my dear Charlotte 's affectionate mother , L. TEMPLE . '' `` Gracious heaven ! '' cried Charlotte , forgetting where she was , and raising her streaming eyes as in earnest supplication .