three
o'clock
The sale of Sara 's collection to Professor Grandet brought her a neat little sum , with which she added a few much-needed articles of furniture to her rooms , making them more modern and comfortable ; and through Mrs. Hoffstott she finally succeeded in finding a trusty little girl , who was glad to come during the hours of Sara 's absence to tend baby and do the left-over bits of work for the pittance she could afford to pay . Even this left a perilously small amount for the house expenses , and the clothing of the four ; but the latter necessity was made easier by Madame Grandet and Miss Prue , both of whom found they had many articles too good to throw away . The latter had pressed enough of these upon Sara , during the packing , to make Molly and herself quite comfortable , for , as Miss Prue always wore black , her dresses were suitable now ; and , the madame had come to the rescue with some of the professor 's cast-off trousers for Morton 's use . It was one Saturday afternoon , and Sara , consequently , at home by three o'clock , when she stood , armed with a pattern and some formidable - looking shears , about to attack a light gray pair of these , when there came a quick little `` rat-tat-tat '' at the door . `` Open it , Molly , '' she said abstractedly , thinking it might be either Kathie or Grisel ; but instead of the round pink and white face and yellow braids she looked for , there appeared a tall lady , richly dressed , whose pale , fine countenance was quite unfamiliar . The lady advanced . `` This is Miss Olmstead , I know ; and I am Mrs. Macon .