nine o'clock before
`` I ca n't , '' she objected , `` I always try to be home when father comes , and it 's already late . '' `` Old boy wo n't be in for another hour . He 's having his wheat thrashed ; met one of the men taking more sacks out just now . He says it will be nine o'clock before they finish . '' Still she hesitated , looking down at him . `` Come ! '' he insisted , `` I 've something very important to tell you . ''