half past eight
The arrival of the boy 's father , an anaemic-looking little man , put an end to their play . He deplored the condition of the lady 's dress . `` It does n't matter in the least , '' she assured him , and fled in a mood she did not attempt to analyze . Hurrying homeward , she regained her room , bathed , and at half past eight appeared in the big , formal dining-room , from which the glare of the morning light was carefully screened . Her father insisted on breakfasting here ; and she found him now seated before the white table-cloth , reading a newspaper . He glanced up at her critically . `` So you 've decided to honour me this morning , '' he said .