a half after six
He good-naturedly set up the kitchen stove and the three beds for them and departed with the hope that they would not be too lonesome . Lydia and old Lizzie put in an afternoon of gigantic effort . By six o'clock , the beds were made , dishes unpacked and in the china closet , the table was set for supper and an Irish stew of Lydia 's make was simmering on the stove . When Amos came up the path at a half after six , his dinner pail in his hand , he found Lydia flat on her back on the little front porch . Her curly head was wet with perspiration ; face , hands and blouse were black . The baby sat beside her , trying to get Florence Dombey to sleep . `` Well , '' said Amos , looking down on his family , `` how do you like it , Lydia ? ''