four o'clock
Elaine was as interested as they to meet Eric again , and readily agreed to the proposed expedition . `` We 'll take some cake and milk with us , and have a little picnic , '' she suggested . `` Let us tear down to Whitecliffe at once and buy him a present . '' Shortly before four o'clock the three girls , carrying a tea-basket and several parcels , were walking along the cliffs above the cove . The long perambulator was already waiting at the trysting-place , and Eric , propped up with pillows , smiled a welcome . Elaine was shocked to see how ill the child looked . He had been frail enough in the autumn , but now the poor little body seemed only a transparent garment through which the soul shone plainly .