half past six o'clock
A faint color began to show in Miss Ruth 's faded cheek , and she set her lips firmly . `` The invitations should be written , '' she said . It was settled , as usual , by each sister doing exactly as she pleased . Miss Deborah gave her invitations by word of mouth the next day , standing in the rain , under a dripping umbrella , by the church porch , while on Monday each of the desired guests received a formal note in Miss Ruth 's precise and delicate hand , containing the compliments of the Misses Woodhouse , and a request for the honor of their company at dinner on Thursday , November 12th , at half past six o'clock . A compromise had been effected about the hour . Miss Ruth had insisted that it should be at eight , while Miss Deborah contended that as they dined , like all the rest of Ashurst , at noon , it was absurd to make it later than six , and Miss Ruth 's utmost persuasion had only brought it to half past . During these days of preparation Miss Ruth could only flutter upon the outskirts of the kitchen , which just now was a solemn place , and her suggestions were scarcely noticed , and never heeded .