three o'clock precisely
She was so absorbed in her own ruminations that she crashed into the dignified president of the senior class with considerable force , much to the glee of Nora , who happened to be near enough to catch the icy expression on the senior 's face as Julia mumbled an apology . At recess Grace notified the members of the basketball team and their substitutes that she had called a meeting to take place that afternoon at three o'clock in the sophomore locker room . `` Only the basketball people are requested to be present , '' she concluded , `` so do n't bring any of the rest of the class . '' At three o'clock precisely the last member had arrived . Every girl took particular pains to be there , for most of them had been at the Harlowe 's on the day that Grace had silenced Miriam . The meeting promised to be one of interest , for had not Grace Harlowe said that she would tell them something about the betrayed signals ? `` Girls , '' Grace began , `` you all know that although it is against the rules to allow any outsider to witness our practice , we have always made an exception in favor of Jessica .