about two in the afternoon
After reading this letter , Mary sat for a long time , thinking of George Moreland , -- of the time when she first knew him , -- of all that William Bender had been to her since , -- and wondering , as girls sometimes will , which she liked the best . Billy , unquestionably , had the strongest claim to her love , but could he have known how much satisfaction she felt in thinking that George still remembered and felt interested in her , he would have had some reason for fearing , as he occasionally did , that she would never be to him aught save a sister . The day following Mr. Stuart 's visit was Saturday , and as there was no school , Mary decided to call upon her sister , whom she had not seen for some months . Mrs. Mason , who had some shopping to do in the village , offered to accompany her , and about two in the afternoon , they set forward in Mr. Knight 's covered buggy . The roads were smooth and dry , and in a short time they reached the bridge near the depot . A train of cars bound for Boston was just going out , and from one of the windows Mr. Stuart was looking , and waving his hand towards Mary , who bowed in token of recognition . The sight and sound of the cars made `` old Charlotte , '' whom Mrs. Mason was driving , prick up her ears , and feet too , and in a few moments she carried her load to the village .