nine o'clock
She imagined she saw him striding along through the big boles of the pines ; passing swiftly , silent and stern , through a faint patch of light ; standing in the shadows , listening , his keen eyes drilling the obscurity ; passing on again , vigorous , forceful , determined , and `` splendid . '' She wondered if he would come up with Swen Brodie ; most of all she wondered when she would see him again . In all likelihood Miss Gloria , healthy , tired young animal , would have slept until noon next day had she been left to her own devices . But at nine o'clock her mother came up with a breakfast-tray . Gloria regarded it sleepily . `` I would have let you sleep , my dear , '' said Mrs. Gaynor , `` but there are your guests , you know -- '' `` Hang my guests , '' was Gloria 's morning greeting . `` Just because I invited them up here do I have to give up every shred of my independence ? ''