nine o'clock
`` The country will gain nothing by your having pneumonia , although personally I am indifferent . And , after thinking over your case , I have come to this decision . '' She paused , as for oratorical effect . `` I shall deliver you to your registration precinct by nine o'clock , '' she said impressively , `` and immediately after that , I shall see that you two are married . I am not young , '' she went on , `` and perhaps I do not think enough of sentiment . But it shall never be said of me that I parted two loving hearts , one of which may , before the snow flies , be still and pulseless in a foreign grave . '' She then , still with that new air of melancholy majesty , led me to the barn , leaving him staring .