three o'clock
was Mrs Ramsden 's comment upon hearing of the visit which had been planned for the afternoon . Her depression was broken by a struggling sense of elation , for it was not every day that Madame deigned to accept hospitality from her neighbours . She despatched a messenger to the confectioner 's to purchase a pound of plum cake , a muffin , and half a pound of macaroons , the invariable preparations under such circumstances , and gave instructions that the best silver and china should be brought out of their hiding-places , with the finest tablecloth and d'oyleys . At three o'clock Elma discovered her removing the covers from the drawing-room cushions , and folding them neatly away in the chiffonnier . Something in the simple action touched the girl , and broke down the hard wall of reserve which had risen between her mother and herself during the past painful week . She stretched out impulsive arms , and stooped her head to kiss the troubled face . `` You funny little mother !