Seven o'clock
When the clock struck seven someone came in a sleigh for four of the girls who lived quite near together . Pompey , the Royalls ' servant , was to escort the others , and Betty March lived just across in Winter Street . When children went out the hours were kept pretty strictly . Seven o'clock meant seven truly , and not eight or nine . Each child had a pretty paper box of candy , tied with a bright ribbon . Bonbons we should call them now . And they all expressed their thanks and made a courtesy as they reached the hall door .