ten minutes before
twelve
When Mrs. Maynard softly opened the door a little later , she almost laughed aloud at the picturesque trio . But stifling her mirth lest she awake them , she called her husband to her side . After a few whispered words , they went away , and returned with down quilts and steamer rugs , which they gently tucked about the vanquished heroes , and then lowering the lights left them asleep at their posts . For an hour the children slept soundly , and then , at ten minutes before twelve the nursery door was softly opened again . This time , Mr. and Mrs. Maynard , accompanied by Grandma Sherwood and Uncle Steve , came in , apparently with the intention of staying . Mr. Maynard snapped on the lights , and the grownups smiled as they gazed on the faces of the sleeping children . `` What time is it , Fred ? ''