nine o'clock
When one has made up one 's mind to go through something unpleasant , there is no use suffering in advance by anticipation . I said to myself , `` I will put the whole affair out of my head ; there are yet two good days . '' Chance , however , arranged otherwise . This morning , the morning of the ball , while I was dusting the drawing-room , I went to the window , which was wide open , to shake out my duster , and there , loitering by the gate , was Mr. Gurrage -- at nine o'clock ! What could he be doing ? He jumped back as if he had seen me in my nightgown . I suppose it was because of my apron , and the big cambric cap I always wear to keep the dust from getting into my hair .