half past nine
`` Olive can paint on plush and china as much as she likes , but I am not partial to ` careers ' for young women . '' `` Nor am I ; save when the gift is so commanding , so obvious , that it has to be reckoned with ; -- but I must not delay my business any longer , nor keep you from your work . We are having a housewarming this evening at seven . Olive and Cyril are there now , helping in the preparations , and I want to know if they may stay to supper , and if you can send for them at half past nine or ten . '' `` Certainly they may stay , though I should think your supper table could hardly stand the strain . '' `` Where there are five already , two more make no difference , save in better appetite for all , '' said Mother Carey , smiling and rising . `` If you will allow me to get my hat and coat I will accompany you to the main road , '' said Mr. Lord , going to the front hall , and then opening the door for Mrs. Carey .