three o'clock
At that point her thoughts took shape in words . `` Well , sir , we 'll see whether mother is the only woman in this world after all . You tramp down cellar and bring me up that stone jar on the second shelf , and we 'll have those pies in the oven in a twinkling ; and that little woman in the corner , with two tears rolling down her cheeks , may bring her white dress and my work-box and thimble , and put two irons on the stove , and my word for it you shall both be ready by three o'clock , spry and span , pies and all . '' By three o'clock on the afternoon in question Ester was thoroughly tired , but little plum pies by the dozen were cuddling among snowy napkins in the willow basket , and Alfred 's face was radiant as he expressed his satisfaction , after this fashion : `` You 're just jolly , Ester ! I did n't know you could be so good . Wo n't the boys chuckle over these pies , though ? Ester , there 's just seven more than mother ever made me . ''