`` Somebody 'd better go and see . '' `` I 'll go , '' said Cecily . `` I suppose , even if anything happens , I 'll have time to get back to you . '' We watched her white-clad figure pass through the gate and enter the front door . A few minutes passed -- or a few years -- we could not have told which . Then Cecily came running at full speed back to us . But when she reached us she trembled so much that at first she could not speak . `` What is it ? Is it past two ? '' implored the Story Girl . `` It 's -- it 's four , '' said Cecily with a gasp . `` The old clock is n't going . Mother forgot to wind it up last night and it stopped . But it 's four by the kitchen clock -- so it is n't the Judgment Day -- and tea is ready -- and mother says to come in . '' We looked at each other , realizing what our dread had been , now that it was lifted . It was not the Judgment Day . The world and life were still before us , with all their potent lure of years unknown . `` I 'll never believe anything I read in the papers again , '' said Dan , rushing to the opposite extreme . `` I told you the Bible was more to be depended on than the newspapers , '' said Cecily triumphantly . Sara Ray and Peter and the Story Girl went home , and we went in to tea with royal appetites .
Afterwards , as we dressed for Sunday School upstairs , our spirits carried us away to such an extent that Aunt Janet had to come twice to the foot XXXXX the stairs and inquire severely , `` Children , have you forgotten what day this is ? ''
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