about ten o'clock
But there was little chance for `` buckling down '' that day . Even as she spoke , Bailey Armstrong was beside Mary Snow with warm greetings and Allingham was exchanging salutations with the Mayor herself . A stream of others were coming in , all the employees about the place , and hundreds of others , who wanted to clasp the hands of the returned prisoners , and assure them of their loyal support . The women of the city began to arrive about ten o'clock , the `` Progressives '' arriving at that hour in a body , and everyone of them clasping and kissing the Mayor as , it is safe to say , no incumbent of that office was ever hugged and kissed before -- at least , during office hours . `` O , Gertrude , '' said Mrs. Blake , `` we would never have put you in , if we 'd known what it would bring you . '' `` To think we were letting you in for kidnaping and imprisonment , '' said Mrs. Turner . `` Like a criminal -- or step-child , '' added Mrs. Mason .