three to half
past four
So at Rebecca 's instigation Mrs. Perkins had made full curtains and lambrequins of unbleached muslin , which she had trimmed and looped back with bands of Turkey red cotton . There were two table covers to match , and each of the girls had her study corner . Rebecca , after much coaxing , had been allowed to bring over her precious lamp , which would have given a luxurious air to any apartment , and when Mr. Aladdin 's last Christmas presents were added , -- the Japanese screen for Emma Jane and the little shelf of English Poets for Rebecca , -- they declared that it was all quite as much fun as being married and going to housekeeping . The day of Huldah 's call was Friday , and on Fridays from three to half past four Rebecca was free to take a pleasure to which she looked forward the entire week . She always ran down the snowy path through the pine woods at the back of the seminary , and coming out on a quiet village street , went directly to the large white house where Miss Maxwell lived . The maid-of-all-work answered her knock ; she took off her hat and cape and hung them in the hall , put her rubber shoes and umbrella carefully in the corner , and then opened the door of paradise . Miss Maxwell 's sitting-room was lined on two sides with bookshelves , and Rebecca was allowed to sit before the fire and browse among the books to her heart 's delight for an hour or more .