about four o'clock
She determined to give a little tea-party ; it was eighteen months since she had had one , and that had been only for the Wyllyses . Dr. and Mrs. Van Horne , the Taylors , the Wyllyses , and the Clapps were accordingly invited ; and Patsey proceeded to burn some coffee , and make short-cake . The little parlour was more carefully swept and dusted than ever , five additional chairs were brought in , and a fire was made , on account of Mrs. Hubbard . Then , about four o'clock , the ladies made their toilette ; Mrs. Hubbard was dressed in a smart new calico , with a cap , made by Elinor , and was then seated in the best rocking-chair . As for Patsey , herself , she could not think of wearing the elegant new dress , Uncle Josie 's present -- that was much too fine ; she preferred what had now become her second-best -- a black silk , which looked somewhat rusty and well-worn . To tell the truth , this gown had seen good service ; it had been not only turned , but re-turned -- having twice gone through the operation of ripping and sponging ; and doubtful as the fact may appear to the reader , yet we have Miss Patsey 's word for it , that a good silk will bear twice turning , but then it must be a silk of a first-rate quality , like her own . It had been , indeed , the standing opinion of the family for the last five years , that this particular dress was still `` as good as new . ''