four o'clock
Mavis glanced round for Merle , hoping her expedition to the sweet-shop would not have made her late , and to her relief saw her sitting on the opposite side of the room , in company with Beata and Romola Castleton , Fay Macleod , and a number of other new girls whose acquaintance she had evidently just made . They were passing round chocolates , and seemingly enjoying themselves . Merle waved a hand gaily at her sister , beckoning her to join the group , but at that moment Miss Mitchell entered the room , and all seated themselves on the nearest available benches while the roll-call was taken . `` We will meet here at four o'clock for the election , '' said the mistress , as she closed the register and dismissed the various forms to their classrooms . The first day of a new term always seems intolerably long , and with such an interesting event as a ballot before them most of the girls felt the hour and a half to drag , and turned many surreptitious glances towards wrist watches . Merle in especial , who hated French translation , groaned as she looked up words in the dictionary , and made several stupid mistakes , because her thoughts were focussed on the election instead of on the matter in hand . Once she yawned openly , and drew down a reproof from Mademoiselle , whereupon she heaved a submissive sigh , controlled her boredom , and went on wearily transferring the flowery sentiments of Fénelon into the English tongue .