about four o'clock
So the plans were made according to Patty 's wish , and a few days after the Barlow twins returned to their home , a merry party left Vernondale for Spring Lake . This party consisted of Mr. and Mrs. Elliott and Marian , Mr. Fairfield , Patty , and Nan . They had all arranged for rooms in the same hotel to which Nan was going , and where her parents were awaiting her . Marlborough House was its name , and very attractive and comfortable it looked to the Vernondale people as they arrived about four o'clock one afternoon in early September . Mr. and Mrs. Allen proved to be charming people who were more than ready to show any courtesies in their power to the Fairfields , who had so kindly entertained Nan . Although an older couple than the Elliotts , they proved to be congenial companions , and after a day or two the whole party felt as if they had known each other all their lives . Acquaintances ripen easily at the seashore , and Patty soon came to the conclusion that she was beginning what was to be one of the pleasantest experiences of her life .