eight o'clock
exclaimed several voices . Margaret laughed . `` Do you know , '' she said , `` it is only a little past seven o'clock , and we can not expect poor Betty to tell stories for close on two hours ? We 'll play all sorts of pleasant and exciting games until eight o'clock , and then perhaps Betty will keep her word . '' Betty had purposely asked to be excused from joining in these games , and every one said she understood the reason . Betty was too precious and valuable and altogether fascinating to be expected to rush about playing Blind-Man 's Buff , and Puss-in-the-Corner , and Charades , and Telegrams , and all those games which schoolgirls love . The sound from the Vivians ' bedroom was very hilarious for the next three-quarters of an hour ; but presently Margaret came forward and asked all the girls if they would seat themselves , as Betty was going to tell stories .