nine o’clock
He saw that there was something working within her ; in her flashing eyes , when they rested for a moment on him , there was an intense concentration , and in her words and movements there was that nervous rapidity and grace which , during the early period of their intimacy , had so fascinated him , but which now so disturbed and alarmed him . The dinner was laid for four . All were gathered together and about to go into the little dining-room when Tushkevitch made his appearance with a message from Princess Betsy . Princess Betsy begged her to excuse her not having come to say good-bye ; she had been indisposed , but begged Anna to come to her between half-past six and nine o'clock . Vronsky glanced at Anna at the precise limit of time , so suggestive of steps having been taken that she should meet no one ; but Anna appeared not to notice it . `` Very sorry that I ca n't come just between half-past six and nine , '' she said with a faint smile . `` The princess will be very sorry . ''