three o'clock
`` Well , jump out then , and stamp your toes , and thaw your ears . '' They all went into the little inn , and warmed themselves by the fire , and had a drink of hot milk or hot soup , as they preferred , and then bundled back into the sleigh for the homeward ride . `` I 'm not cold now , '' said Kitty , cuddling into the fur robes . The horses dashed back again over the snow , and soon after three o'clock they were at home . The party was at four , so there was ample time to get ready . `` What kind of a party is it to be father ? '' asked Midge .