four o'clock in the afternoon
`` Very likely , '' said Mopsy , cheerfully , and then they all slid down hill again . The day before Thanksgiving Day everything was in readiness for the guests . Mr. Maynard had come home early , and the whole family were in the drawing-room to await the arrival . This , in itself , was depressing , for to be dressed up and sitting in state at four o'clock in the afternoon is unusual , and , therefore , uncomfortable . Marjorie had a new frock , of the material that Kitty called `` Alberta Ross . '' It was very pretty , being white , trimmed here and there with knots of scarlet velvet , and Midget was greatly pleased with it , though she looked longingly out of the window , and thought of her red cloth play-dress and her shining skates . However , she had promised to be good , and she looked as demure as St. Cecilia , as she sat quietly on the sofa with an eye on the behavior of her younger sisters .