nine o'clock
That 's my ambition . '' `` And mine 's just to be allowed to stop at home , '' added Dona plaintively . Neither Marjorie 's nor Dona 's wishes , however , were considered at head-quarters . The powers that be had decided that they were to be educated at Brackenfield College , their boxes were ready packed , and their train was to leave at nine o'clock by railway time . Mother saw them off at the station . `` I wish I could have taken you , '' she said rather anxiously . `` But I think you 'll manage the journey all right .