four o'clock
If she had had the slightest suspicion of the true state of the case , she would have been much distressed , as she took great pains to cultivate nice feeling among her girls , and especially to allow no one to be neglected or unkindly treated . Miss Rowe , the only teacher who so far had had anything to do with Patty , had been too busy and occupied to notice whether she appeared to be mixing with the rest of the school , and having dismissed her to the garden , did not give her another thought . Several girls , so Patty learnt afterwards , watched her strolling down the paths , and had half thought of speaking to her : but thinking she was perhaps only looking for some friend , they had not carried out their good intentions , and for the present she was left alone . Tea was at four o'clock , and was followed by preparation until a quarter to seven . `` Miss Lincoln has not yet been able to correct your papers , Patty , '' said Miss Graveson , `` so I can not set you any definite work ; but you can come with me to the Fifth Form room , and I will find something for you to do . '' Patty followed obediently to the classroom in question . The ten girls who occupied the desks were all strangers to her , and as strict silence was the rule , there would certainly have been no opportunity for conversation .