nine o'clock
They were hurrying down the stairs as they talked and reached the dining room just in time to take their places before the blessing was asked -- by Mr. Dinsmore at the larger table . It was a grand dinner of many courses , and a good deal of time , enlivened by cheerful chat , was spent at the table . Quiet games -- mirth provoking , yet requiring little exertion of mind or body -- filled up the remainder of the afternoon . After tea they had romping games , but at nine o'clock were called together for family worship ; then the younger ones , including Lulu and Grace , went to their beds ; very willingly too , for the day -- begun so early because of their eagerness to examine their stockings -- had been an unusually long and exciting one ; so that they felt ready for rest . Grace indeed was so weary that her father carried her up to her room , and did not leave her till she was snug in bed . She dropped asleep the instant her head touched the pillow and he stood for a moment gazing a little anxiously at her pale face . `` You do n't think Gracie 's sick , papa , do you ? ''