half past four in the afternoon
Persis gave up her unavailing scrutiny and climbed slowly to her feet . As she dusted her knees , she welcomed the occupants of the buggy with a fine blending of surprise and relief . `` Well , I venture to say I know just how ship-wrecked folks feel when they 're off on a raft in mid-ocean and they sight a sail . Ai n't this a funny fix , half past four in the afternoon and me ten miles from home ? And to make it worse I wrenched my knee a mite cleaning house this morning . '' This last statement was strictly accurate though her limp as she advanced toward them was exaggerated . `` I do n't know what I 'd have done , '' declared Persis , `` if you had n't happened along . ''