nine o'clock
`` Doubtless you would join their ranks should they do so , '' observed Mrs. Allen , with a quiet smile , as she arose , gave the deacon 's coat a shake , and hung it on a peg behind the door . `` Well , I do n't know but I should , '' returned Mrs. S. ; `` but come , Maddie , how we are wasting time ! I declare , two carts are already unloaded , and there goes the seminary bell . 'T is nine o'clock . '' Jenny , Amy and Charlie , ran down stairs all equipped for school , as Mrs. Mumbles and her daughter stepped into the hall , and all went forth together . Mrs. M. repeated her invitation for the young ladies and Charlie to visit her , and the girls laughingly promised to do so at their first leisure . Mary Madeline went to Edson 's store on an errand , and her mother proceeded directly home .