six o’clock
During this interval Bab employed herself , much to her own satisfaction , in cross-questioning Susan . She was rather provoked indeed that she could not learn exactly how each of the ladies was dressed , and what there was to be for dinner at the Abbey ; and she was curious beyond measure to find out what Miss Somers meant , by saying that she would call at Mr. Price 's cottage at six o'clock in the evening . `` What do you think she could mean ? '' `` I thought she meant what she said , '' replied Susan , `` that she would come here at six o'clock . '' `` Ay , that 's as plain as a pike-staff , '' said Barbara ; `` but what else did she mean , think you ? People , you know , do n't always mean exactly , downright , neither more nor less than what they say . '' `` Not always , '' said Susan , with an arch smile , which convinced Barbara that she was not quite a simpleton .