half past eight
`` You see , it 's been bad weather , and like as not your letter got storm-stayed a day or so . You must n't count on hearing ` fore Monday I guess . '' They both knew that that letter ought to have reached the hospital where Bonnie Brentwood was supposed to be about six o'clock that evening , for so they had calculated the time between Stephen 's letters to a nicety ; but each was engaged in trying to keep the other from getting anxious about the telegram that did not come . For it was now half past eight by the kitchen clock , and both of them were as nervous as fleas listening for that telephone to ring that would decide the fate of the pretty pink room , whether it was to have an occupant or not . `` These white madras curtains look like there 's been a frost on a cobweb , do n't they ? '' said Mother Marshall , holding up a pair all arranged upon the brass rod ready to hang . `` And just see how pretty this pink stuff looks against it .