half past eight
At home , Isabelle got ready for her supper without being told , and sat quietly with a book until she was called . A close observer might have noted that she never turned a leaf , that when a motor chugged off bearing her parents , she was seen to smile and sigh . After supper , she complained of utter weariness and went to bed . Miss Watts looked in at half past eight ; Isabelle was breathing evenly . A few moments later , she heard the governess close the door between their two rooms . Immediately she got up , dropped her night gown , worn over her riding clothes , and slipped out . A moment later she was in the stable , getting a saddle on her horse , tying her blanket to the horn .