nine
o'clock
` I do n't think Mr Clay would like me to ; but I think ` e 'll be in by the time you 've ` ad your breakfast , an ' before it , if you go on as you 're doin ' , my dear , not eatin ' anythin ' , ' she put in ; for Horatia , in her excitement , had put down her knife and fork , and was letting her breakfast get cold while she questioned her hostess . ` Has n't father gone to the mill ? ' asked Sarah . ` No ; ` e 's busy over this plan , ' replied his wife , smiling at Horatia , and adding , ` It 's not often ' e breaks ` is ` abit of goin ' to the mill by nine o'clock , for all ` e 's so rich , so you must take that as a compliment , my dear . ' ` I do . I think it 's most awfully kind of him , and I 'm simply dying to know what his plan is , ' cried Horatia . ` You look anything but dying , ' said Sarah , with a glance at Horatia 's bright , eager face .