nine o'clock
`` Of course you wo n't know , '' she added , blushing and smiling at the absurdity of her question . `` I mean could you find out for me whether she is in , and can I speak to her just a minute ? '' He was fortunately wiser to-night than she gave him credit for being , Judge Erskine said , with a courtly bow and smile . It so happened that just after his daughter departed , Katie had sought him , asking permission to be out that evening until nine o'clock , a permission that she had forgotten to secure of his daughter ; therefore , as a most unusual circumstance which must have occurred for Flossy 's special benefit , he was posted even as to Katie 's whereabouts . He was unprepared for the sudden flushing of Flossy 's cheeks , and quiver of her almost baby chin . `` Oh , I am _ so _ sorry ! '' she said , and there were actual tears in her blue eyes .