nine o'clock
cried Mrs Connor eagerly . And the elders filed across the hall , leaving poor Betty reduced to tears of misery , while the boys comforted her by jibes and jeers in true schoolboy fashion . In the drawing-room a ghastly silence prevailed , broken by fitful efforts of conversation . Mr Farrell had asked that a cab should be ordered by nine o'clock to take him back to his hotel ; but , though the time drew nearer and nearer , he still vouchsafed no explanation of the unexpected visit . Surely -- surely , before going away he would say something , and not once more disappear into the mist , and let the veil of silence fall around him ? The same thought was in every mind , the same wondering anticipation ; but it was only when the cab was announced and Mr Farrell rose to say good-bye that he appeased their curiosity . `` I came here to-day to make the acquaintance of my nephew 's daughters .