nine o'clock
`` Explain yourself , Hugh , '' said Aunt Faith ; `` I am afraid your project is too large for the field . '' `` Oh , no , Aunt Faith , it is not so large as you fancy . There is a store of hidden genius in this family , and I propose , to bring it out and let it scintillate in the light of day ! We will invite a few friends to spend the evening , give them notice that they must bring to the ` Sanctum ' an original contribution , in prose or verse as they please , and at nine o'clock we , will all assemble in the parlor to hear them read aloud . I will act as editor , receive manuscripts , throw them into a basket , and when the appointed time comes , take them out and read them aloud , as they happen to come . '' `` Splendid ! '' said Tom ; `` I 'll go right away and begin mine . ''