three o'clock
Mrs. Perry had adopted Huldah as her niece , but a number of people in the village did not really believe she was so , and , having very little to do or think about , they were anxious to find out , and Huldah , when she did go amongst them , found it very trying . Dick did not find it trying , though , he loved a walk , no matter in what direction it lay , and questions and curiosity did not trouble him at all . He looked wistfully from Huldah to Mrs. Perry , begging with his eyes that he might be allowed to go too . `` Yes , take him , '' said Mrs. Perry ; `` it is only three o'clock , and you 'll be back by four . I do n't mind being alone in broad daylight like this . '' So Huldah , not a little pleased with her appearance in her pretty blue frock and new hat , started off , basket in hand , and Dick , very proud and pleased , trotted off beside her . It was not until she drew near the village that she began to wonder what the people would think of the change in her appearance , and a great shyness seized her , and reluctance to go on and meet their looks of surprise , and their open remarks .