ten o'clock before
The four girls arose and followed Mrs. Gray to the dining room . During the dinner Eleanor was not again mentioned , although she occupied more or less of the four girls ' thoughts . Later on , David , Hippy and Reddy appeared and a merry frolic ensued . It was after ten o'clock before the little party of young folks prepared to take their departure . `` Remember , I rely upon you , '' whispered Mrs. Gray to Grace as she kissed her good night . Grace nodded sympathetically , but went home with an uneasy feeling that playing the guardian angel to Eleanor would be anything but a light task . `` It is simply too lovely to go home to-day , '' exclaimed Grace Harlowe to her three chums as they strolled down High School Street one sunny afternoon in early October .