nine o'clock
Mrs. Hawkins waited patiently until eight o'clock for the gentleman from Boston to come down to breakfast . She then waited impatiently from eight o'clock till nine . During that time she put the breakfast on the stove to keep it warm , and also made several trips to the front entry , where she listened to see if she could hear any signs of movement on the part of her new boarder . When nine o'clock arrived she could restrain her impatience no longer , and , going upstairs , she gave a sharp knock on the door of Quincy 's room . `` What is it ? '' answered a voice , somewhat sharply . `` It 's nine o'clock , and your breakfast 's most dried up , '' replied Mrs. Hawkins .