six
o'clock
She came in with throat and neck bare ; a woman all curves and dimples , her skin as pink as a shell ; plump as a baby , and as fair , and yet with the form of a wood-nymph ; dressed in a clinging , soft gown , the sleeves caught up at the shoulders revealing her beautiful arms , a spray of blossoms on her bosom , her blue eyes dancing with health , looking twenty rather than seventeen ; glad of her freedom , glad of her home and Jane and Martha , and of the lights and blossoms and the glint on silver and glass , and of all that made life breathable and livable . `` Oh , but is n't it just too lovely to be at home ! '' she cried as she skipped about . `` No lights out at nine , no prayers , no getting up at six o'clock and turning your mattress and washing in a sloppy little washroom . Oh , I 'm so happy ! I ca n't realize it 's all true . '' As she spoke she raised herself on her toes so that she could see her face in the mirror over the mantel .