eight o'clock
So he spoke seldom , and Miriam was divided between relief and scorn . It annoyed her that the great hulking thing should know she had written the words of the song overnight ; for though a maiden may sing her most secret fancies aloud , she does not care to have them trampled over by the male Philistine . They rode into the little red-brick street of Bassett , and Georgie made untold fuss over the disposition of that duck . It must go in just such a package , and be fastened to the saddle in just such a manner , though eight o'clock had struck and they were miles from dinner . `` We must be quick ! '' said Miriam , bored and angry . `` There 's no great hurry ; but we can cut over Dowhead Down , and let 'em out on the grass .