a quarter to nine
Cicely 's soul was sick with sorrow and with dread , not only for the brother , but for herself , for she and Miriam were now fast friends . But she controlled herself , and looking up with a smile , said , `` What time is it ? '' Ralph took out his watch and held the face of it toward the moon , which was but little past the full . `` It is a quarter to nine , '' he said . `` Well , then , '' said she , `` I will ask Miriam , when I see her , if she was looking at the moon at this time . '' `` Do you believe , '' exclaimed Ralph , turning suddenly so that they stood face to face , `` do you truly believe that we shall ever see her again ? '' The question was so abrupt that Cicely was taken unawares .