nearly eight o'clock before
`` Good-bye , sir , and thank you very much , '' said Jack , holding out his hand . `` I am very glad I met you . I have wanted for a long time to meet a lord , but I did n't really believe I ever should . '' It was nearly eight o'clock before the party reached home , and Dr. Bell drove at once to the boarding-house to leave Betty and Jack . Mrs. Randall was standing on the piazza gazing anxiously out into the gathering dusk . `` Here we are , mother , '' called Betty , as the carriage drew up before the door ; `` we 're all right , and I 'm sure Jack has n't taken cold . '' Mrs. Randall hurried down the steps , and took Jack in her arms .