nine o'clock
A few moments later she was on her way back from Harley Grove . She hesitated whether to go straight to the school and wait there until nine o'clock or to return to Constantine Road . After a little reflection she decided on the latter course . She reached home hot and weary between eight and nine o'clock . Carrie was seated at the breakfast table ; a letter lay on Elma 's plate . `` Why , Elma , what have you been doing out and about at this unearthly hour ? '' said Carrie , as she cracked the shell of an egg by no means fresh .