half past eight
So Carol had her way , as she generally did ; but it was usually a good way , which was fortunate , under the circumstances ; and Sarah Maud had a set of Miss Alcott 's books , and Peter a modest silver watch , Cornelius a tool-chest , Clement a dog-house for his lame puppy , Larry a magnificent Noah 's ark , and each of the younger girls a beautiful doll . You can well believe that everybody was very merry and very thankful . All the family , from Mr. Bird down to the cook , said that they had never seen so much happiness in the space of three hours ; but it had to end , as all things do . The candles flickered and went out , the tree was left alone with its gilded ornaments , and Mrs. Bird sent the children downstairs at half past eight , thinking that Carol looked tired . `` Now , my darling , you have done quite enough for one day , '' said Mrs. Bird , getting Carol into her little nightgown . `` I 'm afraid you will feel worse tomorrow , and that would be a sad ending to such a charming evening . '' `` Oh , was n't it a lovely , lovely time , '' sighed Carol .