nine
o'clock
His black eyes laughed into her blue ones ; she gave him a smile into which she threw her whole brave heart . He remembered that smile in the dark days which were to follow . Tea was over , and presently Alison went into her room to dress . She did not intend putting in an appearance at the Clays ' before nine o'clock , and she told Grannie not to sit up for her . Of course Jim would see her home . It occurred to her , and her heart beat faster at the thought , that she might be able to give Jim his final answer on her way home ; if so , what a glorious Christmas present would be hers . Accordingly , as she dressed her hair she sang a cheerful little song under her breath .