nine o'clock
Any one who had followed Patsey Hubbard through the varied duties of a single day , would have acknowledged that there is no spectacle in this world more pleasant , than that of a human being , discharging with untiring fidelity , and singleness of heart , duties , however humble . The simple piety of her first morning prayer , the plain good sense of her domestic arrangements , and thorough performance of all her household tasks , her respectful , considerate kindness to her step-mother , and even a shade of undue indulgence of Charlie -- all spoke her character -- all was consistent . Happy was Patsey 's little flock of scholars . Every morning , at nine o'clock , they assembled ; the Taylor children usually appeared in Leghorn gipsies , and silk aprons ; the rest of the troop in gingham `` sun-bonnets , '' and large aprons of the same material . There were several little boys just out of petticoats , and half-a-dozen little girls -- enough to fill two benches . The instruction Patsey gave her little people was of the simplest kind ; reading , spelling , writing , and arithmetic , learning a few simple verses , with sewing and marking for the girls , made up the amount of it . Most people , in these days of enlightenment , would have been very much dissatisfied with her plan , for it actually excluded all the sciences , and all the accomplishments .