nine o'clock
Sietske explained . There was still plenty of time . Holsma was going out to see a patient and promised to stop at Juffrouw Pieterse 's . For reasons of fashion and feminine finery the play was not to begin till nine o'clock . Walter heard that Femke , too , was to witness the performance ; and from the conversation he gathered that the relations existing between the aristocratic family and the poor wash-girl were most cordial . Mevrouw Holsma sent Sietske to ask Femke to come in ; but Femke preferred to remain with little Erich , with whom she was playing at the time . `` Erich ? ''