nine o'clock
Grandma loved to hear the music , and after it was over the three children were kindly but firmly requested to retire . `` We hate awfully to have you go , dear friends , '' said Mr. Maynard . `` We shall be desolate , indeed , without your merry faces , but the time is ripe . It 's nine o'clock , and Christmas morning comes apace . So flee , skip , skiddoo , vamoose , and exit ! Hang up your stockings , and _ perhaps _ Santa Claus may observe them . But hasten , for I daresay he 's already on his rounds . ''