five minutes to eight
This book was so fascinating that she forgot everything else in its perusal : the sealed packet in its safe hiding-place , the Specialities themselves , the odious Fanny Crawford , Rule I. -- everything was forgotten . Presently she raised her head with a start . It was half-past seven . Olive Repton was coming to fetch her at five minutes to eight , when the Specialities were all expected to assemble in Susie Rushworth 's room . Betty put on a black dress that evening . It was made of a soft and clinging material , and was sufficiently open at the neck to show the rounded purity of the young girl 's throat , and short in the sleeves to exhibit the moldings of her arms . She was a beautifully made creature , and black suited her almost better than white .