ten o'clock
At once dropping his search for a partner , Gerald went to join this pair , thinking , as he approached , that Lily without her spectacles was beginning to have a look of Brenda , -- a Brenda with less beauty , but more originality ; more -- what could one call it ? -- geniality , perhaps . `` Oh , Gerald ! '' -- the little girl caught his hand without ceasing for more than a second to watch the ball-room floor , -- `` I have promised to go home willingly at ten o'clock ! '' It was spoken in a gentle wail . `` My child , '' said Fräulein , `` you must begin to prepare , for I fear it can not be far from ten . '' `` Oh , Fräulein , do n't keep talking about it !