five o'clock
Are n't we ready for it now ? '' questioned Alsie and Emily with impatience , as a general survey of the room was taken . `` This is just the time where we will have to be very careful , '' was the reply . `` Alsie , suppose you and Emily offer to walk out with grandmother when she goes to meet Aunt Martha and little James , on the five o'clock train , and as soon as you get her safely out of the house Uncle Dick can bring the pie and other things into the library , where we can all have a hand in fixing it up later . Of course I shall carry the key to the library the rest of the evening , for after keeping the secret this long , I am determined that mother shall have as much of the surprise and pleasure as father . '' Seeing a look of disappointment on the two little faces at the idea of being banished just at the most interesting stage of the fun , Alice continued reassuringly , `` It is almost train time now , chicks , and you know I ca n't go with grandmother to-day , so practice the Golden Rule and run along . After your return from the station , you may come again to the library for , as you know , grandmother will want to have a good hour 's conversation with Aunt Martha before tea-time . ''