about nine o’clock
She told them , she approved of their readiness to assist the poor fellow , as he appeared to them ; but oftentimes those fellows made up dismal stories without much foundation , and because they were lazy , and would not work . Miss Dolly said , indeed she believed the poor man spoke truth ; for he looked honest ; and , besides , he seemed almost starved . Mrs. Teachum told them it would be late before they could get home ; so , after each of them had given what they thought proper , they pursued their walk , prattling all the way . They got home about nine o'clock ; and , as they did not choose any supper , the bell rang for prayers ; after which our young travellers retired to their rest , where we doubt not but they had a good repose . Mrs. Teachum , in the morning , inquired how her scholars did after their walk , and was pleased to hear they were all very well . They then performed their several tasks with much cheerfulness ; and , after the school-hours , they were hastening , as usual , to their arbour , when Miss Jenny desired them all to go thither without her , and she would soon follow them ; which they readily consented to ; but begged her not to deprive them long of the pleasure of her sweet company . Miss Jenny then went directly into her governess 's parlour , and told her that she had some thoughts of reading to her companions a fairy tale , which was also given her by her mamma ; and though it was not in such a pompous style , nor so full of wonderful images , as the giant-story ; yet she would not venture to read anything of that kind without her permission ; but , as she had not absolutely condemned all that sort of writing , she hoped she was not guilty of a fault in asking that permission .