six o'clock
asked Grace . `` Oh , we can not hand those in to the study , '' said Effie ; `` we must contrive some way to give them afterwards . '' And now the children , one after the other , with their arms laden with packages , were making their way to their father 's study ; Emily and Agnes , too , had several contributions to make to the heap of bundles which was piled up on the study table ; and before six o'clock , Mr. Wharton said he had taken in enough articles to stock a very respectable country store . At six o'clock the study door was locked , and there was no more admittance . An hour or two after this , the whole family were assembled in the two large parlors , which were brilliantly lighted for the occasion , and all were on the tiptoe of expectation . `` I should like to know how he is coming , '' said Albert ; `` he 'll be likely to get well scorched , if he comes down either chimney . '' At this moment there was a slight tap at one of the windows opening on to the piazza , which Mr. Wharton immediately proceeded to open , and in walked St. Nicholas .