seven o'clock
Aunt Zélie had shaken her head over parties during the school term , but gave in to the plan that this was a very special occasion . They could n't help the fact that Uncle William 's birthday came in March . Everything was ready in good time , Mr. Hazeltine was invited to dinner , and a hint was given to his wife . At seven o'clock on Thursday evening most of the party had assembled , and the Hazeltine house was pervaded by an air of expectancy . In the place of honor in the long drawing-room sat Miss Brown , who could not resist the united urging of Aunt Zélie and the girls . `` We arranged this corner just for you , '' said Bess , coming to greet her as soon as she was seated . `` We knew you would look like a picture in it . ''