nine o'clock
Her system of education recognised merit , but rewarded it sparingly . As a rule , she had distributed three prizes per annum , before the Christmas holidays , and at a total cost of two shillings and sixpence . To-day she spread out no fewer than ten upon her desk , covering them out of sight with a duster before her scholars arrived . A few minutes before nine she heard them at play outside among the elms , and at nine o'clock punctually called them in to work by ringing her handbell -- the clapper of which -LRB- vain extravagance ! -RRB- had recently been shortened by the village tinsmith to prevent its wearing the metal unequally . Five scholars answered its summons -- ` Thaniel Langmaid , Maudie Hosken , Ivy Nancarrow , Jane Ann Toy and her four-year-old brother Luke . Their fathers , one and all , though dwelling in the village , were employed in trades on the other side of the ferry , and therefore could risk offending Mr. Rosewarne ; but their independence had not yet translated itself into steady payment of the fees , and Mr. Toy -LRB- for example -RRB- notoriously practised dilatoriness of payment as part of his scheme of life .