nine o'clock
Forgive this little preamble . I have arranged matters as you wish . I shall be home this evening . Come to me in my study at nine o'clock to-night , my dear ward , and act in the meantime exactly as your true , brave heart suggests . '' Beatrice read this letter in her own room . She was quite mortal enough to shed some tears over it , but when she sat opposite to her mother at breakfast , her face was quite as jubilant as any young bride 's might be , who was so soon to leave home . Mrs. Meadowsweet looked at her girl with great pride .