eight o'clock sharp
`` One thing is practically certain , '' whispered Grace : `` I believe it was Miriam who told the sophomores about the Omnibus House . Why else did they invite her to their ball ? '' `` We can never prove it , though , '' said one of the others , `` unless we get her up a tree some day and make her admit it . '' `` Remember , Anne , '' cautioned Grace , when they came to the cross street leading to the Pierson cottage , `` eight o'clock sharp at my house ! And do n't bother about things . We shall have more than enough among us . '' At half-past eight that night the sound of a stringed orchestra floated out on the breeze as the door of the gymnasium swung back and forth to admit disguised sophomores , who each whispered the countersign to the doorkeeper , after running the gauntlet of the waiting crowd , and slipped in .