About three o'clock
Mrs. Decie , covering her lips , disappeared with a rustling of silk ; in her place stood a stiff man in blue ... . Thus the morning dragged itself away without any one being able to settle to anything , except Herr Paul , who was settled in bed . As was fitting in a house that had lost its soul , meals were neglected , even by the dog . About three o'clock a telegram came for Christian , containing these words : `` All right ; self returns to-morrow . Treffry . '' After reading it she put on her hat and went out , followed closely by Greta , who , when she thought that she would not be sent away , ran up from behind and pulled her by the sleeve . `` Let me come , Chris -- I shall not talk . ''