two o'clock
`` I shall not look in burrs for chestnuts this afternoon , but for something else far more important . '' Gregory spent the forenoon quietly in his own room reading , in order that he might have all the vigor possible for the ramble . And to Annie , as housekeeper , Saturday morning brought many duties . By two o'clock the nutting expedition was organized , and with Jeff in advance , carrying a short ladder and a long limber pole , the party started for the hills . At first Johnny , oppressed with his dignity as Aunt Annie 's `` beau , '' stalked soberly at her side , and Susie also claimed Gregory according to agreement , and insisted on keeping hold of his hand . He submitted with such grace as he could muster , for children were tiresome to him , and he wanted to talk to Miss Walton , without `` little pitchers with large ears '' around . Annie smiled to herself at his half-concealed annoyance and his wooden gallantry to Susie , but she understood child life well enough to know that the present arrangement would not last very long .