six o'clock
But she gave her little sister 's hand an affectionate squeeze , which satisfied the hungry and exacting heart of its small owner for the present . Meanwhile the enormous wreath progressed well , and presently took upon important position over the house doorway . As the daylight was getting dim , and as it would , in the estimation of the children , be the cruellest thing possible if the full glories of the wreath were not visible to the eyes of the strangers when they approached Sleepy Hollow , lamps were cunningly placed in positions where their full light could fall on the large `` Welcome , '' which was almost the unaided work of the twins and their small brothers . But now six o'clock was drawing near , and Polly and Firefly joined the rest of the children in the hall . The whole house was in perfect order ; an excellent supper would be ready at any moment , and there was little doubt that when the strangers did appear they would receive a most hearty welcome . `` Wheels at last ! '' said Bunny , turning a somersault in the air .