noon
And the two spent most of the dark hours remaining in unprofitable discussion as to whether Virginia were at last engaged to her cousin , and in vain queried over another unsolved mystery . This mystery was taken up at the breakfast table the next morning , when Miss Carvel surprised Mrs. Brinsmade and the male household by appearing at half-past seven . `` Why , Jinny , '' cried Mr. Brinsmade , `` what does this mean ? I always thought that young ladies did not get up after a ball until noon . '' Virginia smiled a little nervously . `` I am going to ask you to take me to town when you go , Mr. Brinsmade . '' `` Why , certainly , my dear , '' he said .