four o'clock in the afternoon
All the village was interested in the railway , but Emmy had an especial and intimate interest because her sweetheart was the local agent . He had been her sweetheart during five years , in any one of which he would have been proud and glad to marry her ; yet this was the fifth year of their betrothal , and Emmy was drearily reflecting that they were no nearer the chance to spend their lives together the fifth than the first . Emmy was hanging out clothes . It was four o'clock in the afternoon , but she had just brought out the large basket and was pinning the garments to the line , while Virginia , her sister , a little girl in short skirts and a blue checked apron , helped with the less cumbrous stockings and handkerchiefs . The child was pretty . She had a fresh color and curly yellow hair . Emmy 's hair was black , and twisted in a braid about a shapely head .