nine
o'clock
Would n't some of your girls like to run over , and practice on it now and then , just to keep it in tune , you know , ma'am ? '' Beth took a step forward , and pressed her hands tightly together to keep from clapping them , for this was an irresistible temptation , and the thought of practicing on that splendid instrument quite took her breath away . Before Mrs. March could reply , Mr. Laurence went on with an odd little nod and smile ... `` They need n't see or speak to anyone , but run in at any time . For I 'm shut up in my study at the other end of the house , Laurie is out a great deal , and the servants are never near the drawing room after nine o'clock . '' Here he rose , as if going , and Beth made up her mind to speak , for that last arrangement left nothing to be desired . `` Please , tell the young ladies what I say , and if they do n't care to come , why , never mind . '' Here a little hand slipped into his , and Beth looked up at him with a face full of gratitude , as she said , in her earnest yet timid way ... `` Oh sir , they do care , very very much ! ''