eight o'clock
I think Ruby might come and sit by me , instead of staying with her aunt , so I do . '' But Ruby was very happy where she was . She had not forgotten Maude , and when they had first gone into the sitting-room , she had invited Maude to come and sit beside her ; but as Maude had refused , wishing Ruby to come over to her , she had concluded that Maude wished to be by herself , and was listening to the talk going on about her , without thinking any more about Maude . At eight o'clock all the girls went up to bed , and Miss Chapman told them that in half an hour a bell would be rung , and that then they must put their lights out , and not talk any more to one another that night . Some of the girls who were tired had gone to bed earlier , but most of the scholars had stayed downstairs until that hour . The next day would be the first day of regular school , and Miss Chapman told them that she hoped they would all sleep well so as to be fresh for their studies in the morning . When Ruby was in her room , she realized for the first time with all her heart how much happier she was than those girls who had come quite alone .