about one o'clock
`` Yes , daughter , it is very pretty , '' he replied , `` and one of these days , when you are old enough to wear it , you shall have a pin to match . '' Mrs. Travilla and Adelaide each gave her a handsome book -- Adelaide 's was a beautifully bound Bible -- and Elsie was delighted with all her presents , and thought no little girl could be richer in Christmas gifts than herself . The day passed very pleasantly , for they were quite like a family party , every one seeming to feel perfectly at home and at ease . The negroes were to have a grand dinner at the quarter , and Elsie , who had been deeply interested in the preparations -- cake-baking , etc. -- was now very anxious to see them enjoying their feast ; so about one o'clock she and her father invited their guests to walk down there with them to enjoy the sight . '' _ I _ , for one , would like nothing better , '' said Mr. Travilla , offering his arm to Adelaide , while Mr. Dinsmore took Mrs. Travilla , Elsie walking on the other side and keeping fast hold of his hand . They found it a very merry scene ; and the actors in it scarcely enjoyed it more than the spectators . Their own dinner was served up somewhat later in the day , and with appetites rendered keen by their walk in the bracing air , they were ready to do it full justice .