a quarter past six
I 've been so m-miserable . '' That was more than the girls could stand , for they remembered how gallantly Grace had striven to hide her trouble during all these weeks , and they gathered around her , whispering little words of endearment and comfort , till she started to laugh and cry together , calling herself an `` old goose '' and clinging to them desperately . It was some time before they grew calm and could speak coherently . Then Amy sighed and said : `` Oh , dear , it 's a quarter past six and I promised to be home by six sharp . Now what shall I do ? '' `` Telephone your brother that you 're staying here , '' said the Little Captain decidedly . `` The boys are coming to-night , you know , and you can all help me with the spread .