nine o'clock
Most people meeting them would have seen only an awkward young man , with a boy 's face atop of his tall body , and a quietly dressed , fresh faced little woman hanging on his arm ; but a few people , with eyes to read romances and pleasant histories everywhere , found something very attractive in this couple , and smiled as they passed , wondering if they were young , lovers , or country cousins `` looking round . '' If the day was stormy , they stayed at home , reading , writing letters , talking over their affairs , and giving each other good advice ; for , though Will was nearly three years younger than Polly , he could n't for the life of him help assuming amusingly venerable airs , when he became a Freshman . In the twilight he had a good lounge on the sofa , and Polly sung to him , which arrangement he particularly enjoyed , it was so `` cosy and homey . '' At nine o'clock , Polly packed his bag with clean clothes , nicely mended , such remnants of the festive tea as were transportable , and kissed him `` good-night , '' with many injunctions to muffle up his throat going over the bridge , and be sure that his feet were dry and warm when he went to bed . All of which Will laughed at , accepted graciously , and did n't obey ; but he liked it , and trudged away for another week 's work , rested , cheered , and strengthened by that quiet , happy day with Polly , for he had been brought up to believe in home influences , and this brother and sister loved one another dearly , and were not ashamed to own it . One other person enjoyed the humble pleasures of these Sundays quite as much as Polly and Will . Maud used to beg to come to tea , and Polly , glad to do anything for those who had done a good deal for her , made a point of calling for the little girl as they came home from their walk , or sending Will to escort her in the carriage , which Maud always managed to secure if bad weather threatened to quench her hopes .