nine o'clock
Walking about the room , she gave them lessons in carriage and manner , imitated herself the air with which the general 's daughters bowed to the officers as they saluted them as they passed , and even gave them instructions in the tone of voice in which they should order the driver to take the way to the public promenade . At length she pronounced that they ought to pass muster at a casual inspection , and then , bidding them good-night , she retired to her own room , while the lads were soon asleep , the one on the couch , the other on the hearthrug . At seven o'clock their friend , who had told them that her name was Agnes Sinclair , came into the room dressed , unlocked the door , and then led them into her bedroom , as she said that at half-past seven the servants would come to do up the sitting-room , light the fire , and prepare breakfast . `` I am my own mistress , '' she said , `` till nine o'clock , and as the servants do not go into my bedroom till I have gone to my pupils , you will be quite safe . You must have some more biscuits for breakfast , for I am a very small eater , and it would not do were it noticed that a greater quantity of food than usual had disappeared . '' The boys were now again dressed in the clothes prepared for them , and this time put on gloves which Miss Sinclair had also brought , and into which it needed all the boys ' efforts to pass their hands . Fortunately the bonnets of the time completely enveloped the head , concealing the back half , and coming well forward over the face , and when the veils were dropped Miss Sinclair said that unless she had known the truth , she should not have suspected the deception .