the hour of six o'clock
The children had been duly lectured for their breach of discipline and then , that evening , consigned to their room for their imprisonment which was to last until the next evening . That night Mary took up her mattress and blankets and went and slept on the floor between the two beds of the children , and in spite of orders , so the maid said , she secretly carried up a goodly sized bundle from the kitchen . The day was one of unusual quietness , as the lively pair , who generally kept the house full of music , were now supposed to be away in humiliation and disgrace . All regretted that the punishment had to be inflicted and the children made to realize their naughtiness in thus running away , and all were looking forward to the hour of six o'clock with pleasant anticipation . When it arrived word was sent to the children that their hours of imprisonment were over , and that they were to present themselves in the library . Quick and prompt was the response , and noisily and hurriedly the two darlings came rushing down the stairs , followed by Mary . They were arrayed in their most beautiful apparel , and were evidently prepared by their nurse to go with her for a walk .