four o'clock
The master 's taking up his paper was a signal for all other persons to leave the room , and not to return till he had finished his news and his nap . Mrs. Iden and Amaryllis , as they went out , each took as many of the dishes as they could carry , for it was uncertain when they could come in again to clear the table . The cloth must not be moved , the door opened , or the slightest sound heard till the siesta was over . `` Ca n't clear the dinner things till four o'clock , '' said Mrs. Iden as she went , `` and then you want your tea -- senseless ! '' Amaryllis shut the door , and the master was left to himself . By-and-by , his cheese being finished , he dropped his newspaper , and arranged himself for slumber . His left elbow he carefully fitted to the remnant of the broken woodwork of the chair .