nine o'clock sharp
`` When may I begin ? '' he said finally . `` I want to go at it right away . '' `` To-morrow morning at nine o'clock sharp , '' replied Albert , smiling , `` and I warn you I shall keep you grinding eight full hours , six days a week , and no let-up until July first . But tell me , when did this sensible and eminently laudable idea enter your head ? '' `` Well , to be exact , it came to me in the parlor of your house in Sandgate , just at dark , the last evening I was there , and a remark your sister made to me was the cause of it . '' A droll smile crept over Albert 's face at this frank admission , but he made no reply , and as he scanned his friend 's face , now turned slightly away from him , and recalled that last evening at home , and how Alice had so persistently devoted herself to the entertainment of this young man , a revelation came to him .