a quarter to five
The wedding supper was being laid on improvised tables in Bettie 's side yard , with Judy Pike in command , seconded by Mrs. Peavey with her skirts tucked up out of possible harm and her mind on the outlook for any possible disaster , from the wilting of the jelly mold to a sad streak in the bride 's cake , baked by the bride herself with perfectly happy confidence . Then on the heels of the excitement came a quiet half-hour devoted to the completing of all toilets behind closed family doors . A shrill squeal issuing now and then from an open window told its tale of tortures being undergone , and a smothered masculine ejaculation added a like testimony . At exactly a quarter to five , Miss Wingate issued from her room after a completely satisfactory seance with her mirror , and from the front steps looked down in dismay upon a scene of rebellion , that threatened at any moment to become one of riot . On the grass beside the porch stood a group of little girls all starched , frilled , curled and beribboned until they resembled a large bouquet of cabbage roses themselves . Each one clasped carefully a gaily decorated basket filled with roses , and from each and every pair of eyes there danced sparks of rage , aimed at a huddled company of small boys who were returning their indignation by sullen scorn mixed with determination in their polished , freckled faces . Half way between each group stood Eliza Pike , a glorified Eliza , from a halo of curls to brand new small shoes .