nine o'clock
The Doctor 's portmanteau was quickly packed , and in what seemed a moment of time after the receipt of the letter he had kissed his family and bidden them good-by . Then her four younger sisters and the boys came round Polly with a daring suggestion . `` Let 's sit up late , to-night , and have a real , jolly supper , '' they begged . `` Let 's have it at nine o'clock , up in the large garret over the front of the house ; let it be a big supper , all kinds of good things ; ginger-beer and the rest , and let 's invite some people to come and eat it with us . Do Poll -- do Poll , darling . '' `` But , '' said Polly -- she was dazzled by this glorious prospect -- `` I have n't got a great deal of money , '' she said , `` and Nurse will be very angry , and Helen wo n't like it . For you know , children , you two boys and Firefly , you are never allowed to sit up as late as nine o'clock . ''