ten
o'clock
`` I know the value of a stern aunt , my dear , '' she had said to Sybil the day previous . When matters were arranged , therefore , they went to bed , and in the morning Miss Schenectady sat in state in the front drawing-room , reading the life of Mr. Ticknor until Ronald should arrive . Joe was up-stairs writing a note to Sybil Brandon , wherein the latter was asked to lunch and to drive in the afternoon . Ronald could not come before ten o'clock with any kind of propriety , and they could have luncheon early and then go out ; after which the bitterness of death would be past . It was not quite ten o'clock when Ronald Surbiton rang the bell , and was turned into the drawing-room to face an American aunt for the first time in his life . `` Miss Schenectady ? '' said he , taking the proffered hand of the old lady and then bowing slightly .