half past two
A ceaseless patter of rain against the window made the day unusually trying . Her mother had gone , by the doctor 's orders , to Atlantic City for a week 's rest , leaving her to the capable ministrations of Mrs. Hicks . That lady had carried off her luncheon tray with the declaration that `` a body could n't please Miss Isobel anyways and if Miss Isobel wanted anything she could ring , '' and Isobel had mentally determined , making a little face after the departing figure , that she 'd die before she asked old Hicks for anything ! It was only half past two -- it would be an hour before even Tibby would come , or Gyp or Jerry . What day was it ? When one spent every day in one small pink-and-white room it was not easy to remember ! Thursday -- no , Wednesday , because Mrs. Hicks had said the cook was out -- A door below opened and shut .