nine in the morning
Hiram timidly wished that the men 's side were filled , so that he would be obliged to eat on the ladies ' side again . A waiter was beckoning them to the men 's side , however , and Hiram meekly led the way , though casting a quick , expectant glance down the long row of tables beyond the screen . Waitresses were dallying about , but he did not see the girl with the cords of fluffy hair . He was halfway through breakfast before it occurred to him that , as she was at work at eleven the night before , he scarce could expect her at nine in the morning . He was glad she was not there to tantalize him , and at the same time deeply disappointed . Hiram 's new acquaintance changed perceptibly as the food began to warm him . Mildly loquacious before , he now became voluble .