seven o'clock
For the first time Hepsey smiled , as she said gratefully , `` De Lord bress you for dat wish , chile . '' Then , dropping suddenly into her old , quiet way , she added , turning to her work : `` Now you tote up de dinner , and I 'll be handy by to ` fresh your mind ` bout how de dishes goes , for missis is bery ` ticular , and do n't like no ` stakes in tendin ' . '' Thanks to her own neat-handed ways and Hepsey 's prompting through the slide , Christie got on very well ; managed her salver dexterously , only upset one glass , clashed one dish-cover , and forgot to sugar the pie before putting it on the table ; an omission which was majestically pointed out , and graciously pardoned as a first offence . By seven o'clock the ceremonial was fairly over , and Christie dropped into a chair quite tired out with frequent pacings to and fro . In the kitchen she found the table spread for one , and Hepsey busy with the boots . `` Are n't you coming to your dinner , Mrs. Johnson ? '' she asked , not pleased at the arrangement .