nine o'clock
`` Quite well , thank you . '' `` That 's a great relief , for I 'm going to take her to Europe with me next week , '' he said . Mrs. Merrick was so astonished that she nearly dropped her coffee-cup and could make no better reply than to stare blankly at her brother-in-law . `` We sail Tuesday , '' continued Uncle John , `` and you must have my niece ready in time and deliver her on board the ` Princess Irene ' at Hoboken at nine o'clock , sharp . '' `` But John -- John ! '' gasped Mrs. Merrick , feebly , `` it will take a month , at least , to make her gowns , and -- '' `` Stuff and rubbish ! '' he growled .