nine o'clock
Ruth had heard the commotion , and she and Patty each appeared at their doors . `` What is it , Aunt Hester ? '' asked Ruth , roused at last , Patty was glad to see , to some degree of animation . `` Why , Ruthy , it 's nine o'clock ! We have all overslept . Hurry down-stairs , children , you 'll be late to school . '' Well , such a commotion as there was ; everybody compared watches and clocks , and exclaimed in wonderment and dismay .