nine
o'clock
So the cakes and fudge were placed on the shelf in the closet , where with the big can full of oysters and milk they became close neighbors with the hat-boxes . Then Vera and Elf sat down to prepare their lessons for the next day . They had invited Betty Chase and her chum , Valerie Dare , to spend the evening with them , and enjoy the treat . They were to go to bed at the usual time , have their light out at nine o'clock , and as soon as they heard Miss Fenler pass down the hall , and then descend the stairs , they were to open their door softly , close it behind them , and then , with greatest caution , make their way along the hall to Vera 's room . Night came , their lessons were prepared for the morrow , their lights were out , when they heard Miss Fenler pass their door , then , -- why did she return and pass the door a second time ? Was it imagination , or did she pause before going on ? Their hearts beat faster , and Valerie laid her hand over hers , she afterward said , to hush it so that the dreaded Miss Fenler might not hear it .