About two o'clock
`` Well , then , Miss Lucia-di-Lammermoor , '' said Beulah , smiling . A few alterations reduced the dress to proper dimensions , and Annie arrayed her favorite in it , with no slight degree of satisfaction . The obliging manner of the new nurse won her heart , and she began to chat pleasantly enough . About two o'clock Mrs. Martin returned , inquired after Johnny , and again absented herself to `` see about dinner . '' Beulah was very weary of the close , disordered room , and as the babe amused himself with his ivory rattle , she swept the floor , dusted the furniture , and arranged the chairs . The loud ringing of a bell startled her , and she conjectured dinner was ready . Some time elapsed before any of the family returned , and then Laura entered , looking very sullen .