ten o'clock
from Freddie 's room , and she vanished . When Susan was in the cab with only Maria and Grace to see , she cried , and refused all comfort for some time ; not only because she was going away to strangers , but also because up to the last minute she had so much hoped that Mother would say something about the pink pin-cushion . On rattled the cab past all the shops that Susan knew so well , and through the streets where she had often walked with Mother or Nurse . The journey to Ramsgate was to be made by sea , and they were to be driven to Saint Katharine 's Docks to take the steamer which started from there at ten o'clock . Susan had heard her mother 's directions to Maria , and knew exactly what they had to do ; she felt indeed that she should remember them better , for she was accustomed to hear Nurse say that Maria had `` no head . '' She had not therefore much respect for her , and thought it likely that she would make mistakes and forget things ; but though this was the case , there was a great deal to be liked in Maria . For one thing she was always good-natured , and such a very good listener ; really interested in all Susan 's information and startled at any wonderful story , for she was a country girl , and had not yet ceased to be surprised at London life .