half past nine
She had sent a graceful , polite little note to Madam Mucklegrand , dated `` Westover , Z -- , '' and signed , `` Rosamond Holabird , '' offering to do this , that there might not be the danger of Jane 's losing the chance in the meanwhile . It was certainly to accomplish the good deed that Rosamond cared the most ; but it was also certainly something to accomplish it in that very high quarter . It lent a piquancy to the occasion . She came down to breakfast very nicely and discriminatingly dressed , with the elegant quietness of a lady who knew what was simply appropriate to such an errand and the early hour , but who meant to be recognized as the lady in every unmistakable touch ; and there was a carriage ordered for her at half past nine . Sin Scherman was a cute little matron ; she discerned the dash of subdued importance in Rosamond 's air ; and she thought it very likely , in the Boston nature of things , that it would get wholesomely and civilly toned down . Just at this moment , Rosamond , putting on her little straw bonnet with real lace upon it , and her simple little narrow-bordered green shawl , that was yet , as far as it went , veritable cashmere , -- had a consciousness , in a still , modest way , not only of her own personal dignity as Rosamond Holabird , who was the same going to see Madam Mucklegrand , or walking over to Madam Pennington 's , and as much in her place with one as the other ; but of the dignity of Westover itself , and Westover ladyhood , represented by her among the palaces of Boston-Appendix to-day . She was only twenty , this fair and pleasant Rosamond of ours , and country simple , with all her native tact and grace ; and she forgot , or did not know how full of impressions a life like Madam Mucklegrand 's might be , and how very trifling and fleeting must be any that she might chance to make .