nine o'clock
Was n't it natural ? She wanted to hear no more about it . There was a ring . It was nine o'clock . It was Aylmer 's voice . The Great Exception The absurdly simple explanation , made almost in dumb show , by action rather than in dialogue , was soon given . He was surprised , simply enchanted , at the entire frankness of her recognition ; she acknowledged openly that it mattered to her tremendously whether or not he was on intimate terms or flirting with little Miss Argles , or with little Miss anybody .