nine o'clock
In either event , the republication of the `` Stop , Look , Listen ! '' article was an invitation to battle . It was in no happy frame of mind that Harwood awaited the coming of Ramsay . The Wares had asked Sylvia to dine with them on Friday evening a fortnight later , and Harwood was to call for her at the minister 's at nine o'clock . Sylvia went directly to the Wares ' from school , and on reaching the house learned that Mrs. Ware had not come home and that the minister was engaged with a caller in the parlor . Sylvia , who knew the ways of the house well , left her wraps in the hall and made herself comfortable in the study , that curious little room that was never free from the odor of pipe smoke , and where an old cavalry sabre hung above the desk upon which in old times many sermons had been written . A saddle , a fishing-rod , and a fowling-piece dwelt together harmoniously in one corner , and over the back of a chair hung a dilapidated corduroy coat .