Seven o'clock
Polly shrugged her shoulders , but helped Bertha to find receptacles for the bright flowers , continuing to exclaim over their beauty , in spite of Dorcas ' apparent indifference . It had not been Algernon alone who had been misunderstood at the beginning of the library campaign in Winsted . The flowers arranged effectively , and the motto given a place where it could be read from all parts of the room , the workers trudged off to their respective homes to make elaborate toilets before the `` party '' should begin . Seven o'clock found the lamps lighted inside the little building , and Japanese lanterns making the freshly-mown weed patch a festive place , with little tables set for the ice-cream and cake which were to be served from the shed , leaving the library proper , clean and crumbless . Bess and Winifred , with their attendant squires , were to act as Mrs. Graham 's lieutenants outside , and the other members of the club were variously on duty within . Dr. Helen assisted Algernon and the school superintendent in receiving -- an unsectarian combination warranted to disturb no prejudice . Bertha , with a book and pen , was ready at the reading-table to receive and register gifts .