half past
nine
`` And he will hear your prayer , he will grant your petition , '' her father replied in moved tones . `` Oh , my dear children , your father 's heart is full of thankfulness that he has reason to hope and believe that you are all true followers of the blessed Master , and that we may all live and love together , not in this world only , but also in the next . '' To Max that delightful day and evening seemed very short . He was surprised when his father , glancing at his watch , said , `` It is half past nine , my son . Say good-night and good-by to your friends here , for we must go back to the Academy . It need not be a very sad parting , '' he added , with a smile , `` as you may expect to see some , if not all , of us next month , at the time of the commencement exercises . '' `` Thank you , papa ; that is good news , '' said the lad , his countenance brightening very much , `` for it is the greatest treat to a fellow to see home folks once in a while . ''