9 a.m.
Ulyth had once seen a most wonderful film entitled `` Rose of the Wilderness '' , and though the scenes depicted were supposed to be in the region of the Wild West , she decided that they would equally well represent the backwoods of New Zealand , and that the beautiful , dashing , daring heroine , so aptly called `` the Prairie Flower '' , was probably a speaking likeness of Rona Mitchell . When she learnt that owing to her letters Rona 's father had determined to send his daughter to school at The Woodlands , her excitement was immense . She had at once petitioned Miss Bowes to have her as a room-mate , and was now awaiting her advent with the very keenest anticipation . There was a little uncertainty about the time of the new girl 's arrival , for it depended upon the punctuality of the ocean liner , a doubtful matter if there were a storm ; and the feeling that she might be expected any hour between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. made havoc of Ulyth 's day . It was impossible to attend to lessons when she was listening for the sound of a taxi on the drive , and even the attractions of tennis could not decoy her out of sight of the front door . `` I must be the very first to welcome her , '' she persisted . `` Of course it 's not the same to all the rest of you -- I understand that .