four o'clock
They were up so early , and were so impatient to be off , that Mrs. Moss let them go with the warning that they would find only the servants astir . She was mistaken , however , for , as the procession approached , a voice from the porch called out , `` Good-morning little neighbors ! '' so unexpectedly , that Bab nearly spilt the new milk she carried , Betty gave such a start that the fresh-laid eggs quite skipped in the dish , and Ben 's face broke into a broad grin over the armful of clover which he brought for the bunnies , as he bobbed his head , saying briskly , -- `` She 's all right , miss , Lita is ; and I can bring her over any minute you say . '' `` I shall want her at four o'clock . Thorny will be too tired to drive , but I must hear from the post-office , rain or shine ; '' and Miss Celia 's pretty color brightened as she spoke , either from some happy thought or because she was bashful , for the honest young faces before her plainly showed their admiration of the white-gowned lady under the honeysuckles . The appearance of Miranda , the maid , reminded the children of their errand ; and having delivered their offerings , they were about to retire in some confusion , when Miss Celia said pleasantly , -- `` I want to thank you for helping put things in such nice order . I see signs of busy hands and feet both inside the house and all about the grounds , and I am very much obliged . ''