four o'clock
`` Yes , '' said Mrs. Ward , half-aloud , half to herself , `` I do n't quite trust Maggie Howland . But I can not possibly dismiss her from the school . I may win her round to a loftier standard of life , but at present there is no doubt she has not that high ideal in view which I think my other girls aim at . '' Between three and four o'clock that day Mrs. Ward received a telegram from Mr. Cardew . It contained the following words : `` After consideration , I have made up my mind to do myself the great honor of confiding my girls to your care . Their mother and I will write to you fully in a day or two . '' Mrs. Ward smiled when she received the telegram .