six o'clock
He sent word for her to sing it just after the band had finished playing the wedding march ! '' Now terror came into the house of Morton , and when the tailor 's boy brought home a package , the daughters tore it open ruthlessly , and discovered -- as they sat limply with it spread out in its pristine beauty on the sofa before them -- a white broadcloth dinner suit -- with a watered silk vest . Half an hour later , when a pleated dress shirt with pearl buttons came , it found three daughters sitting with tight lips waiting for their father -- and six tigers ' eyes glaring hungrily at the door through which he was expected . At six o'clock , when they heard his nimble step on the porch , they looked at one another in fear , and as he burst into the room , each looked decisively at the other as indicating a command to begin . He came in enveloping them in one all-encompassing hug and cried : `` Well ' y gory , girls , you certainly are the three graces , the three fates , and the world , the flesh and the devil all in one -- what say ? '' But the Morton daughters were not to be silenced . Ruth took in a deep breath and began : `` Well , now see here , father , do you know what people are saying about -- '' `` Of course -- I was just coming to that , Ruthie , '' answered the Captain .