seven o'clock before
The doors stood open , and the sunshine fell pleasantly across the floors of the old rooms . Usually they meant to go picnicking , but to-day the Picknells had asked their friends to tea , and a delicious country supper it was . Then they all sang , and Mary Beck 's clear voice , as usual , led all the rest . It was seven o'clock before the party was over . The evening was cooler than August evenings usually are , and after many leave-takings the club set off afoot toward the town . `` What a good time ! '' said Betty to the Grants and Aunt Barbara , for she had claimed one Grant and let Aunt Barbara walk with the other ; and everybody said `` What a good time ! ''