eight o'clock precisely
And Oscar was right . On Thursday evening the main school of the Academy building was lighted up , and groups of boys , varying in age from thirteen to nineteen , were standing in different parts of the room . These were members of the Clionian Society , whose weekly meeting was about to take place . At eight o'clock precisely the President took his place at the teacher 's desk , with the Secretary at his side , and rapped for order . The presiding officer was Alfred DeWitt , a member of the Senior Class , and now nearly ready for college . The Secretary was a member of the same class , by name George Sanborn . `` The Secretary will read the minutes of the last meeting , '' said the President , when order had been obtained .