seven
o'clock
No one in the room looked so beamingly happy , but the next moment the smile gave way to a startled expression , as Miss Phipps continued slowly -- `` There is one girl whom I am unfortunately obliged to except in giving my invitation , and that is Pixie O'Shaughnessy . Whether she is guilty of really breaking Mademoiselle 's scent-bottle or not , it is impossible for me to say , but a suspicion has rested upon her which she has persistently refused to remove . I can not allow a girl who defies my authority to be among us on such an occasion , and though the fact that she is in disgrace will cast a shadow over our evening , I consider that I have no choice in the matter . On Wednesday night , then , Pixie , you will have tea by yourself in the schoolroom , and go up to bed at seven o'clock . '' `` I will , Miss Phipps , '' said Pixie faintly . She had blushed until her face was crimson from the roots of her hair to the tip of her chin , and her face stood out like a vivid peony among those of her companions . Everyone looked at her , and the glances were more kindly than they had been for many a day ; for it is easy to be sympathetic when we get our own way , and have shifted the burden off our own shoulders on to those of another .