six o'clock
The children were riotously happy . Mr. Harding let each child choose a direction to turn , and they whirled around corners and drove by each small guest 's home in great state , so that mothers and sisters might see . Bright hoods and caps and coats made the sleigh load look like a nosegay and Dick Harding treated them all with an exaggerated courtesy that kept them merry . They landed at the Morton front gate at six o'clock . It was quite dark but the street lamps were lit and the cheer of gas and firelight streamed out from the old gabled house invitingly . `` This was a mighty sweet thing to do , Dick , '' said Marian as he helped her out . `` The pleasure is mine , '' he responded gallantly , `` further I 'm going to claim a toll of one kiss and a half from every passenger under twelve years of age . ''