about ten o'clock
`` We have only half an hour to get ready for breakfast , and if you 're late and have n't any excuse -- well , do n't expect any sympathy from Miss Cora , that 's all . '' The girls did not need any second hint to make them hurry , and full ten minutes before the breakfast gong rang they were ready and waiting . There was great excitement in the dining hall , for this was the day when the old students of Three Towers Hall were expected , and the girls who had remained at the school for the summer vacation were eager to renew old friendships . It was about ten o'clock when the girls began to pour in , and from then on excitement and confusion reigned . `` It makes you feel kind of lonesome , '' said Laura , with a sigh . `` And the older girls look awfully dressed up and -- and -- stuck up , '' said Vi , snuggling up to Billie as if for comfort . `` Do you suppose they really are , Billie -- stuck up , I mean ? ''