nine o'clock
And the worthy woman hastened off . `` Do n't be uneasy , Olivier , '' said Gerald , kindly . `` The worst that can happen is that the commander may tire himself a little . '' The clock in the neighbouring steeple struck nine , and Olivier , remembering the mission he had promised to fulfil , said : `` Well , it is nine o'clock . I am going . '' `` My dear Olivier , '' said Gerald , `` you forget your own anxieties in your solicitude for my interests ; and I , in my selfishness , have n't said so much as a word to you about your sweetheart . '' `` What sweetheart ? ''