eight o'clock
`` Forget it then , Luella . We will keep it a profound secret . '' Luella left her father 's presence with a smile upon her face . It was already eight o'clock . Half an hour passed , and she became anxious . Fifteen minutes more clipped by , and still the welcome ring at the bell was not heard . She was ready to cry with vexation , for she had made up her mind to lead the young man to a declaration that very evening if it were a possible thing .