twelve o'clock
Mrs. Myer from her window across the common did not know what to make of it . She thought at first that every one of her rich neighbours must be going to give a party ; though after reflection she decided that this could not be , for if all of them were having parties , who would be left to come to them ? She was very much at sea . As the silver tones of the convent bell said it was twelve o'clock , a gay procession formed on the sidewalk in front of the Mortons ' . First came the little children , and each carried something : shoes , stockings , socks , flannels -- all of the very best quality . Next came the middle-sized ones with blankets , sheets , and real feather pillows . Then the biggest ones with china , glass , earthenware , and all such things .