nine o'clock
`` Of course , you understand that , to me , our service is very beautiful and sacred . I would dearly love to have you go with me in a proper way ; but if you do not like to ask permission you can wait until vacation , when you will not be hampered by school rules . '' `` All right ; perhaps -- I will , '' returned Jennie , with a sly smile ; then , with a friendly `` good-night , '' she went away , and Katherine thought no more of the matter at that time . Half an hour later the nine o'clock bell rang and she repaired at once to Miss Reynolds ' room . She found her teacher in bed , looking flushed and feverish , her throat badly swollen and swathed in flannels , while she was scarcely able to speak aloud . She smiled a welcome and held out her hand to the girl , who clasped it fondly as she sat down beside her . `` I suppose you would say ` it is nothing , ' '' whispered the woman , a little gleam of laughter in her eyes , notwithstanding her evident suffering .