four o'clock in the afternoon
It was four o'clock in the afternoon on the opening day of the midwinter term at Hilton Seminary , a noted institution located in a beautiful old town of Western New York . A group of gay girls had just gathered in one of the pleasant and spacious recreation rooms and were chattering like the proverbial flock of magpies -- exchanging merry greetings after their vacation ; comparing notes on studies , classes and roommates ; discussing the advent of new teachers , pupils and improvements , when a tall , gracious woman of , perhaps , thirty-five years suddenly appeared in the doorway , her fair face gleaming with humorous appreciation of the animated scene and babel before her , and enjoined silence with the uplifting of one slim white hand . There was an instantaneous hush , as the bevy of maidens turned their bright faces and affectionate glances upon their teacher , who , evidently , was a prime favorite with them all . `` What is it , Miss Reynolds ?