Eight o'clock
`` It might be snatched or stolen , I dare say , '' said Agnes , with a significant look at Tilly ; `` and you may keep it for me until later in the evening , and -- read it at your leisure . It 's a very interesting collection of facts . '' `` Tum , tum , ti tum , '' suddenly struck up the band in the hall . `` Eight o'clock ! '' cried Agnes , in astonishment . `` Yes , the ball 's begun , '' said Will , nodding and smiling ; `` and if you 'll excuse me , '' lifting his cap , `` I 'll go and get into my dancing shoes . '' Agnes tried to smile in response ; but a little pang of disappointment thrilled her as he left her without asking her for a dance .