nine o'clock in the morning
There is a cherished legend in our town that Major Appleby Cartwright once went over to Savannah on a festive occasion and was there joyously entertained by the honorable the Chatham Artillery . The Chatham Artillery brews a Punch ; insidious , delectable , deceptive , but withal a pernicious strong drink that is raging , a wine that mocketh and maketh mad . And they gave it to Major Appleby Cartwright in copious draughts . Coming home upon the heels of this , the major arose , put on his Prince Albert , donned his top hat , picked a huge bunch of zinnias , and at nine o'clock in the morning marched over to Miss Sally Ruth Dexter 's . We differ as to certain unimportant details of that historic call , but we are in the main agreed upon the conversation that ensued . `` Sally Ruth , '' said the major , depositing his bulky person in a rocking chair , his hat upon the floor , and wiping his forehead with a spotless handkerchief the size of a respectable sheet , `` Sally Ruth , you like Old Maids ? '' Here he presented the zinnias .