nine o'clock
For , though the milking of a hundred cows passes under those roofs and out again every day , Huldah is far too conservative to abandon the custom which she inherits from some Thorfinn or some Elfrida , and her husband is well pleased to humor her in keeping in that barn always , at least two of the choicest three-quarter blood cows that he can choose , for the family supply . Only , in general , he or Reuben milks them ; as duties are divided there , this is not Huldah 's share . But on this eve of St. Spiridion the gentle creatures were glad when she came in ; and in two journeys back and forth Huldah had carried her well-filled pails into her dairy . This helped along the hour , and just after nine o'clock struck , she could hear the cheers of the men at last . She ran out again with the ready lighted lantern to the shed-door , -- in an instant had on her boots and sack and hood , had crossed to the barn , and slid open the great barn door , -- and stood there with her light , -- another Hero for another Leander to buffet towards , through the snow . A sight to see were the two men , to be sure ! And a story , indeed , they had to tell !