quarter to nine
The B 's joined rapturously in the preparations for Madeline 's mysterious party . Katherine could not be found , and Rachel and Eleanor were both engaged for the evening ; but that was no matter , Madeline said . It ought to be mostly a Belden House affair , but a few outsiders would help mystify the freshmen . Promptly at quarter to nine Polly , Lucile , and the rest of the Belden House contingent arrived , each bringing her sheet with her , and presently Madeline 's room swarmed with hooded , ghostly figures . `` Is that you , Polly ? '' whispered Lucile to somebody standing near her . `` No , it 's not , '' squeaked the figure , from behind its little black mask .