three o'clock
`` Now , I think you would like to go into the school-room and practise some of the hymns we are to sing to-night , '' she said , rightly guessing the thing of all others that he wanted to do . Alone with the beloved violin and the music-book propped up before him in the sunny window , while Spring beauty filled the world outside , and Sabbath silence reigned within , Nat enjoyed an hour or two of genuine happiness , learning the sweet old tunes , and forgetting the hard past in the cheerful present . When the church-goers came back and dinner was over , every one read , wrote letters home , said their Sunday lessons , or talked quietly to one another , sitting here and there about the house . At three o'clock the entire family turned out to walk , for all the active young bodies must have exercise ; and in these walks the active young minds were taught to see and love the providence of God in the beautiful miracles which Nature was working before their eyes . Mr. Bhaer always went with them , and in his simple , fatherly way , found for his flock , `` Sermons in stones , books in the running brooks , and good in everything . '' Mrs. Bhaer with Daisy and her own two boys drove into town , to pay the weekly visit to Grandma , which was busy Mother Bhaer 's one holiday and greatest pleasure . Nat was not strong enough for the long walk , and asked to stay at home with Tommy , who kindly offered to do the honors of Plumfield .