nine o'clock
Sally trembled with hope as she went toward the parson 's house , and it may have been that he feared lest the little maid might find it hard to use the great brass knocker on the front-door , for there he was in the garden as Sally entered the gate . `` It hath all been arranged , dear maiden , '' he said , in so father-like a tone that Sally felt tears starting to her eyes . `` I deemed it best to see Mistress Brace before saying more to thee about the French lessons , but the use of one morning is to be given thee . Come on Thursday by nine o'clock , and an hour and a half will I give thee . `` No payment will be required save that one or two simple rules must be observed . No more than half an hour a day at present must be given to French . This will make progress slow , but it is of more importance that figures , history , geography , and thy native speech should be well learned than that thou shouldst know a foreign tongue while so young .