seven o'clock
`` Thank you , and good morning , Major , '' returned Phoebe as a slow smile spread over her grave face . `` I wo n't disturb you , for I 've only a moment ! This hunt to-night -- it -- it troubles me . Has David forgotten that he is to make a speech on the cutting of the conduit over in the sixteenth ward at half-past seven o'clock ? It is one of his most important appointments and -- '' `` Phoebe , '' answered the major as he balanced his pen on one long lean finger , `` do you suppose that women will ever learn that men could dispense with them entirely after their second year -- if it was n't for the loneliness ? I see David Kildare failed to make a sufficiently full apron-string report to you this morning of his intentions for the day . '' `` Sometimes , Major , you are completely horrid , '' answered Phoebe with both a smile and a spark in her eyes , `` but I do care -- that is , I 'm interested , and -- '' `` It seems to me , '' the major filled in the pause , `` that you are a trifle short on a woman 's long suit -- patience .