four o'clock in the afternoon
Tired out , but happier in her home than perhaps she has ever been before . Bustle , confusion , dust , hard work , yes ; but brothers and sisters all helping each other , all working together , all eagerly looking forward to seeing dear father . The same thing goes on all the next day , but now the confusion is fast changing into order , and when the following morning arrives -- the morning of the eventful day that is to see father 's return -- the house is cleaner and fresher than Betty ever remembers to have seen it . It is four o'clock in the afternoon . Bob , his hands in his pockets , is going from room to room , surveying his share in the work with great pride . Lucy is arranging a few cheap flowers in a glass , the children are all on tiptoe with excitement . Betty has gone to the hospital to fetch father home !