half past nine
He was immaculate in white linen , and less pinched about the waist than his fashionable contemporaries . `` I believe it is not considered quite _ de rigueur _ for young ladies and young gentlemen to walk unchaperoned , '' he said diffidently ; `` but in the circumstances I think I may come to your relief and escort you back to the hotel . '' `` Not yet , please , '' Anne emerged and walked rapidly toward the edge of the town . `` I can not go back and sit in the hotel till half past nine . I am accustomed to a long walk before breakfast . '' `` But Mrs. Nunn -- '' `` She must get used to my tramps . I should fall ill if I gave them up .