nine o’clock
`` Story-books are all nonsense , so it wo n't happen , '' said Sam ; and really it seemed as if the habit of contradicting Bessie had suggested to him the greatest consolation that had yet occurred . Just then Henry and the younger ones came in , and learnt the tidings . Henry wept as bitterly as his elder sister , and John and Annie both did the same ; but David did not speak one word , as if he hardly took in what was the matter , and , going to the window , took up his lesson-books as usual . `` It is nine o'clock , Hal , '' said Sam presently . `` Oh , we ca n't go to Mr. Carey to-day , '' said Hal . `` Yes , we shall , '' returned Sam . `` Oh do n't , '' cried Susan .