four
o'clock
I 've an errand at Aunt Abby 's that would take me down to the bridge anyway . '' `` Very well , '' said Patty , somewhat apathetically . `` I always like a walk with you , but I do n't care what becomes of me this afternoon if I ca n't go to Ellen 's party . '' The excursion took place according to Waitstill 's plan , and at four o'clock she sped back to her night work and preparations for supper , leaving Patty with a great bunch of early wildflowers for Ivory 's mother . Patty had left them at the Boyntons ' door with Rodman , who was picking up chips and volunteered to take the nosegay into the house at once . `` Wo n't you step inside ? '' the boy asked shyly , wishing to be polite , but conscious that visitors , from the village very seldom crossed the threshold .