nearly seven o'clock
The two young ladies and the gentleman sped away upon the train , while the middle-aged lady started for home in her carriage , telling herself a dozen times on the way that she knew she would be lonesomer than ever when she got there . The trip by train and boat was uneventful . Alice sat quietly and enjoyed the salt sea breeze , while both Quincy and Rosa entertained her with descriptions of the bits of land and various kinds of sailing craft that came in sight . It was nearly seven o'clock when the steamer rounded Brant Point . In a short time it was moored to the wharf , and the party , with their baggage , were conveyed swiftly to Mrs. Gibson 's , that lady having been notified by Quincy to expect them at any moment . He did not enter the house . He told Miss Very to address him care of his aunt if they needed anything , and that Mr. Ernst and himself would come down when Miss Pettengill had completed two or three chapters of her book .