nine o'clock
The studious youths entered the compartment at Goring , their books now put away in pockets , and similarly cheered by exercise ; one , seated opposite Gertie , touched her foot with his shoe at Pangbourne , and she took no notice . When he did this again at Tilehurst , she came down heavily upon his toes , and gave , for her clumsiness , an apologetic word that he accepted sulkily . Near to Paddington , Miss Radford mentioned that , in her opinion , men were most frightfully stupid , and to her surprise Gertie agreed . Gertie Higham relieved her aunt from duty in the shop , and a letter brought by the postman at nine o'clock was handed over the counter to her direct ; the official recommended her to accept the offer , and put the young gentleman out of his misery . The communication was written in a large hand , about twelve words to a page , and liberally underlined . Printed in the corner were a telegraphic address , a telephone number , directions concerning nearest railway station . For heading , Morden Place , Ewelme .