five o'clock
Aim at the sky , and you may reach the top of the tree ; aim at the top of the tree , and you will grovel on the ground . You are too modest in your aspirations , and they wo n't come to any good ; but as for me -- with a standard before me of absolute perfection -- '' `` Who is talking of perfection ? And where is the tea , and why are you still in darkness , with none of the lamps lighted ? It is five o'clock , and I have been in my study waiting for the bell to ring for the last half-hour . What are you all doing over there by the fire ? '' cried a masculine voice , and a man 's tall figure stood outlined in the doorway . There was a simultaneous exclamation of dismay as the three girls leapt from their seats , and flew round the room in different directions .