Seven o'clock
The dining room had been cleared as soon as possible after dinner , for it was there that a Christmas tree was to be set up , there that the presents were to be distributed to the `` Automobile Girls '' and various members of the family . Excitement ran high . Bob Stevens had been invited to join in the festivities , which included a molasses candy pull and games appropriate to the occasion . Seven o'clock had just boomed out on the grandfather 's clock in the hall when there came a ring at the door . The girls , with ears alert , heard a familiar voice greeting Mr. and Mrs. Presby . Down the stairs rushed the girls , with Ruth in the lead , crying at the top of her voice : `` It 's my daddy ! Oh , it 's my dear daddy ! ''