quarter past five
`` Oh , do n't fret , '' said her mother , good naturedly , `` I guess you 'll git along . I would n't mind if folks would only say , ` Oh , childern will be childern ; ' but they wo n't . They 'll say , ` Land o ' Goodness , who fetched them childern up ? ' Now it 's quarter past five ; you can go , an ' whatever yer do , do n't forget your mother was a McGrill ! '' The children went out the back door quietly , and were presently lost to sight , Sarah Maud slipping and stumbling along absent-mindedly as she recited , under her breath , `` It -- was -- such -- a -- pleasant -- evenin ' -- an -- sech -- a -- short -- walk -- we -- thought -- we 'd -- leave -- our -- hats -- to -- home . '' Peter rang the door bell , and presently a servant admitted them , and , whispering something in Sarah 's ear , drew her downstairs into the kitchen . The other Ruggleses stood in horror-stricken groups as the door closed behind their commanding officer ; but there was no time for reflection , for a voice from above was heard , saying , `` Come right up stairs , please ! ''