midnight
They wondered who would come first , how soon they should begin dancing , how soon serve supper . Mrs. Monroe thought supper should be served at half-past ten . Martie groaned . Oh , they could n't serve supper until almost midnight , she protested . Dinner was at noon on Thanksgiving Day , and the Monroes , sated and overwarm , were sitting about the fire when Rodney Parker and his friend , Alvah Brigham , came to take Martie and Sally walking . The girls were sewing at the endless roses ; but they jumped up in a flutter , and ran for hats and sweaters . They did not exchange a word , nor lose a second , while they were upstairs , running down again immediately to end the uncomfortable silence that held the group about the fire .