about
nine o'clock
We had tea in the cosiest little room on the same floor , and we could n't but notice how Hilliard waited on his mother , -- just like a girl would have done ; indeed , he was very much more gentle and helpful than I could have been , I am afraid , -- though Fee used to be like that with mamma . After tea Nora played ; I was asked , too , but I could no more have got through a piece without breaking down than I could have flown . She did n't feel so , though , and did splendidly ; she is really a fine pianist , Miss Marston says . After that we sang college songs , and about nine o'clock , or a little after , we four went home . `` Unfortunately , I am not able to return any visits , '' Mrs. Erveng said , when we were leaving , `` but if you or your sisters will take pity on my loneliness , and come over to see me whenever you can spare an afternoon or evening , I shall consider it very friendly , and I shall be very glad to see you . '' She looked at Nora , and Nora answered very sweetly , `` Thank you for our pleasant evening , Mrs. Erveng ; we shall be glad to come again . '' Now I never would have thought of saying that !