eleven o'clock
But gradually the lightning grew fainter and fainter , and the thunder went growling away in the distance , although the rain kept steadily on . Mrs. Sherman called for some music in the drawing-room , and while Miss Allison and Mrs. Cassidy played the liveliest duets they knew , the children drifted out into the hall and over the house as they pleased . Most of the older boys and girls sat on the stairs in groups of twos and threes , while from the upper hall the scurry of feet , and the singsong cry that London Bridge was falling down , showed what the little ones were playing . It was after eleven o'clock when the wagonettes came rumbling up to the door . The rain had stopped , and a few stars were beginning to struggle through the clouds . `` How cold and damp it is ! '' exclaimed Mrs. Sherman , as she stepped out on the front porch .