a quarter
to eight
Only I did n't want him to think . I would n't do everything he liked , except that I do n't want him to be unkind about those poor girls . ' Miss Hacket was perfectly enraptured at the offer of the reversion of the Christmas-tree and its trapping . Valetta 's birthday was on the 28th of December and the tree was to be lighted on the ensuing evening for G.F.S. Moreover , the party would go to Rockstone as soon as an appointment could be made with Miss Mohun , to make selections at a great German fancy shop , recently opened there , and in full glory ; and the Hacket sisters were invited to join the party , starting at a quarter to eight , and returning at a few minutes after seven , the element of darkness at each end only adding to the charm in the eyes of the children , and Valetta , with a little leap , repeated that it would be a real secret expedition . ` Very secret indeed , ' said her mother , ` considering how many it is known to -- ' ` Yes , but it is , mamma , for everybody has a secret from everybody . ' The words made Constance and Dolores look round with a start from their colloquy under the shade of the window-curtains , but no one was thinking of them . Just as the plans were settled , Constance came forward , saying , ` Lady Merrifield , may I have dear Dolores to spend the day with me ?