eight o'clock in the evening
Gran ` pa Jim had often said that what one could not do openly should not be done at all . There was nothing to be ashamed of in her resolve to leave the school where she was so unhappy . The girls did not want her there and she did not want to stay ; the school would be relieved of a disturbing element and Mary Louise would be relieved of unjust persecution ; no blame attached to any but those who had made public this vile slander against her grandfather . From all viewpoints she considered she was doing the right thing ; so , when her preparations were complete , she went to Miss Stearne 's room , although it was now after eight o'clock in the evening , and requested an interview . `` I am going away , '' she quietly announced to the principal . `` Going away ! But where ? ''