a quarter
before nine
I have no doubt it deserves all the praise Mr. Travilla has given it . '' `` Oh , thank you , papa , I 'm very glad , '' she answered joyously , `` I am just hungry for a nice story . '' And seating herself near the light , she was soon lost to everything about her in the deep interest with which she was following Ellen Montgomery through her troubles and trials . She was loath to lay the book aside when at the usual hour -- a quarter before nine -- the bell rang for prayers . She hardly heeded the summons till her papa laid his hand on her shoulder , saying , `` Come , daughter , you must not be left behind . '' She started up then , hastily closing the book , and followed the others to the dining room , where the servants were already assembled to take part in the family devotions . Mr. Travilla went away immediately after and now it was Elsie 's bed-time .