twelve o'clock
Meanwhile the story of `` The Missing Bridge , '' with some changes and additions , and accompanied by two charming illustrations , had gone to seek its fortune in the office of _ The Young People 's Journal _ , and it was no longer a secret that Miss Sherwin was in the habit of writing stories and had already met with considerable success . Frances thought this a strong bond between them , `` For father writes stories too , you know , '' she would often say . It was about this time that the first letters , so long waited for , arrived from Honolulu , giving such glowing accounts of the voyage and the climate , and written in such evident good spirits , and so full of love for the two left behind , that they had to be read at least once a day for a week . Frances wished very much to go to school , but for several reasons her mother did not think it wise , so she studied at home every morning , going upstairs at twelve o'clock to Miss Sherwin for a drawing lesson . Emma thought this a delightful arrangement , but Frances looked with envy upon the children who passed , swinging their school bags . `` It is because I was n't strong last winter and mother thinks it would n't be good for me to be shut up in a schoolroom , but I shall go next year , '' she explained . As the fall weather was beautiful they spent a great deal of time out of doors , and when Mrs. Morrison did not care to go herself she would send Frances with Zenobia for a walk or a ride on the cars , to the delight of the latter , who adored her young charge .