nearly eight o'clock
It was true that Carrissima , although she may have hoped , and indeed she did devoutly hope for such a consummation , was in the sequel taken rather sharply by surprise . She had not anticipated this sudden _ dénouement _ ! The time for procrastination had passed , however , and as she opened her eyes she wound her arms about Mark 's neck . `` It must be nearly eight o'clock , '' she remarked , as she rose from her chair a few minutes later , going at once to look in the mirror which formed part of the overmantel . `` Carrissima , '' said Mark , `` I begin to suspect -- '' `` What ? '' she demanded . `` That this must be a put-up job ! ''