nine o'clock
She looked down , a frown forming on her brow , but the sun shone clear when she saw Abbott Ashton . She gave him a swift look , as if to penetrate his inmost thoughts . He met her eyes unfalteringly . `` It 's already nine o'clock , '' he said with singular composure . `` Do n't forget nine-thirty . '' Then he disappeared in the crowd . Fran saw the ranks thinning before her .