about
six o'clock
Indeed , I carried her off bodily from the kitchen just at a dozen critical moments . '' `` No , it was n't that , '' said honest Patty , `` but I did just what I 'm always doing , trying to make a lot of things I do n't know anything about '' `` Well , '' said Elsie , `` if you could n't try them on us girls , I do n't know who you could try them on ; I 'm more than willing to be a martyr to the cause , and I say three cheers for our noble President ! '' The cheers were given with a will , and Patty 's equanimity being restored , she was her own merry self again , and they all laughed and chatted as only a lot of happy girls can . And that 's how it happened that when Mr. Fairfield reached home at about six o'clock he heard what sounded like a general pandemonium in the dining-room . As he appeared in the doorway he was greeted by a merry ovation , for most of the Tea Club members knew and liked Patty 's pleasant and genial father . Then the girls , realising how late it was , began to take their leave . Marian went with them , and Patty , after the last one had gone , returned to the dining-room , to find her father regarding the table with a look of comical dismay .