six
o'clock
It was usually a brilliant day . The clerk of the weather appeared favourably disposed to the warm-hearted Bessie . On this particular occasion the preparations for the festival were on a grander scale than usual , in honour of Ida , who was on the eve of departure . A cruel , cruel car was to carry her off to Winchester at six o'clock on the morning after the birthday ; the railway station was to swallow her up alive ; the train was to rush off with her , like a fiery dragon carrying off the princess of fairy tale ; and the youthful Wendovers were to be left lamenting . In six happy weeks their enthusiasm for their young guest had known no abatement . She had realized their fondest anticipations . She had entered into their young lives and made herself a part of them .