six in
the evening
The May sunshine of a rather late spring was beginning to grow warm and genial at last , and the girl really must have a new hat and gloves and shoes , and one or two print frocks , before she could possibly put in an appearance at Aunt Rachel 's . Almost anything had done for running about the lanes at Winchcomb , where every one knew the Harleys , and respected them far more for not going beyond their means , than they would have done for any quantity of fine apparel . -LSB- Sidenote : Goodbye ! -RSB- But the preparations were finished at last , the goodbyes were said , and Edith , leaving home for the first time in her life , sat gravely by her father 's side in the train that was timed to reach Silchester by six in the evening . She had been up very early that morning , before any of the others were astir ; and when she was dressed , went out into the garden , where she could be alone , to think her last thoughts of the wonderful change in her life . She had gone on always so carelessly and happily , that the new turn of affairs sobered and startled her . She seemed to herself to say goodbye , not only to her home , but to the long , bright , happy childhood that had been spent there .