six o'clock
Then the aroma of wet dust , of drenched pavements , musty , acute -- the unforgettable exhalation of the city 's streets after a shower -- pervaded all the air , and the little out-door activities resumed again under the dripping elms and upon the steaming sidewalks . The evenings were delicious . It was yet too early for the exodus northward to the Wisconsin lakes , but to stay indoors after nightfall was not to be thought of . After six o'clock , all through the streets in the neighbourhood of the Dearborns ' home , one could see the family groups `` sitting out '' upon the front `` stoop . '' Chairs were brought forth , carpets and rugs unrolled upon the steps . From within , through the opened windows of drawing-room and parlour , came the brisk gaiety of pianos . The sidewalks were filled with children clamouring at `` tag , '' `` I-spy , '' or `` run-sheep-run . ''