one o'clock
`` I just know it will be a dreadful fizzle , '' wailed Jess , before Mr. Mann called the rise of the curtain . Everything was in readiness , however , for a perfect rehearsal . The curtain was properly manipulated and the scene shifters , the light man , and all the other helpers were at their stations , as well as the orchestra in the pit . The girls had been excused from studies at one o'clock -- of course , greatly to Miss Carrington 's disapproval . Since her `` run-in '' with the Lockwood twins , as Bobby inelegantly called it , the teacher had been less exacting , although quite as stern-looking as ever . Dora and Dorothy , being cheerful souls , had recovered from their excitement over the incident in history class , and were so much interested in their parts in the play now that they forgot all about Gee Gee 's ill treatment . Indeed , when the curtain was rung up every girl in the piece was in a state of excitement .