four o'clock before
About that time Ma began giving me a regular allowance , so I haunted the baker and candy shops instead of the kitchen , and the cook idea declined . In fact all I know about cooking now , I learned at Wayne Hall , in the interest of my friends , '' she finished . Elfreda 's reminiscence awoke a train of sleeping memories in the minds of the others , and for the next hour the quiet woodland echoed with their mirth over the curious , quaint and ridiculous aims and fancies of their childhood . The talk gradually drifted back to serious things and went on so earnestly that it was well after four o'clock before the party began to make reluctant preparations to return to the cottage . `` It has been a perfect day and a perfect picnic , '' declared Grace as she smiled lovingly at her friends . `` We 'll never forget Elfreda 's house party . '' `` I 'm going to have you with me at this time every year if it is possible , '' planned Elfreda .