four o'clock
`` Good-by , '' said Marjorie , as the three parted at the gate ; `` be sure to come over to-morrow morning ; and , Stella , if you 'll bring your paintbox , it will be lovely for you to paint those paper dolls . '' The three girls had become almost inseparable companions , and though Midge and Molly were more congenial spirits , Stella acted as a balance wheel to keep them from going too far . She really had a good influence over them , though exerted quite unconsciously ; and Midge and Molly inspired Stella with a little more self-confidence and helped her to conquer her timidity . `` Good-by , '' returned Stella , `` and be sure to have a letter in the post office by four o'clock , when James goes for the milk . '' The post office in the old maple tree had become quite an institution , and the girls put letters there for each other nearly every day , and sent for them by any one who might happen to be going that way . Quiet little Stella was especially fond of getting letters and would have liked to receive them three times a day . The elder members of the three families often sent letters or gifts to the children , and it was not at all unusual to find picture postcards or little boxes of candy , which unmistakably came from the generous hand of Uncle Steve .