Four o'clock
They received the best and most judicious instruction during school-hours , and devoured the trashiest novels during recess . The result of which was an aggregation of quite healthy , quite human , and very charming young creatures , that reflected infinite credit on the Institute . Even Mistress Phillips , to whom they owed vast sums , exhilarated by the exuberant spirits and youthful freshness of her guests , declared that the sight of `` them young things '' did her good ; and had even been known to shield them by shameless equivocation . `` Four o'clock , girls ! and , if we 're not back to prayers by five , we 'll be missed , '' said the tallest of these foolish virgins , with an aquiline nose , and certain quiet elan that bespoke the leader , as she rose from her seat . `` Have you got the books , Addy ? '' Addy displayed three dissipated-looking novels under her waterproof .