eight o'clock
Notwithstanding Jacqueline 's efforts to appear natural , her own voice rang in her ears in tones quite new to her , a laugh that she uttered without any occasion , and which came near resulting in hysterics . Yet she had power enough over her nerves to notice the surroundings as she entered the house . At the door of the room in which she was to sleep , and which was on the first story , Madame Strahlberg kissed her with one of those equivocal smiles which so long had imposed on her simplicity . `` Till eight o'clock , then . '' `` Till eight o'clock , '' repeated Jacqueline , passively . But when eight o'clock came she sent word that she had a severe headache , and would try to sleep it off . Suppose , she thought , M. de Cymier should have been asked to dinner ; suppose she should be placed next to him at table ?