seven o'clock
She watched Leslie a moment wistfully , and then with a sigh turned away . She wished one of her little girls could look like that . `` Well , I 'd better go right home and get supper ready , '' she said alertly ; and there was a note of almost pleased eagerness in her voice that she was included in this function of packing and moving that seemed somehow to have turned into a delightful game in which weariness and care were forgotten . `` I 'll have supper ready to dish up by seven o'clock , '' she admonished her astonished sister as she swept past the bedroom where she was at work putting away blankets and pillows in camphor . `` You wo n't be ready much before that ; but do n't you be a minute later , or the supper will be spoiled . '' By which admonition Julia Cloud became aware that Ellen was going to favor them with some of her famous chicken potpie . She stood still for a whole minute with a light in her eyes and a smile on her face , listening to Ellen 's retreating footsteps down the stairs ; then , as the Ford set up its churning clatter , she turned back to her task , and murmured softly , `` Poor Ellen ! ''