nearly four o'clock in the
morning
`` Why , what 's the matter , son ? '' she questioned gently , as Ben , both angry and frightened , strode up to where she stood . `` Did n't you hear me asking Fannie where Emily is ? Did n't you know that she has n't been in her room , and here it is nearly four o'clock in the morning ! '' `` Emily went out just after tea , and I thought she had returned , '' answered the mother . `` Perhaps she went walking with some of her girl friends , was taken ill and had to stop at one of their homes . Wait Benny , I 'll dress and help you to look for her . ''