eight o'clock
The collection of birds ' eggs was kept downstairs , so , leaving Nell and Jamie in the nursery , the girls went with Colin to the breakfast-room , where there were Jean 's foreign stamps to look at afterwards , and a large album full of picture postcards . Mr. Bannerman came in for tea , and was so pleasant and jovial and full of fun , that he entertained them all for more than half an hour with his jokes and stories . He had travelled much in his youth , and had many tales to tell of wild adventures in far-off countries , or amusing experiences nearer home . He joined afterwards in playing games , in which the little ones were also included ; and the time passed away so quickly , that Patty could scarcely believe it was eight o'clock when Aunt Lucy 's maid arrived to fetch her home . `` I expect you had a stupid afternoon , '' said Muriel , on her return , `` one of those tiresome duty visits that have to be paid now and then , worse luck ! '' `` On the contrary , I enjoyed it immensely , '' said Patty . `` Why , what did you do ?