twelve o'clock
Aunt Betsy remarking , under her breath , that `` she did n't see for the life on her how Catherine could be so free and easy with that man when just the sight of him was enough to take away a body 's breath . '' `` More free and easy than she will be by and by , '' was Helen 's mental comment as she proceeded quietly to pack the trunk which Morris had brought for the voyage across the sea , dropping into it many a tear as she folded away one article after another , and wondered under what circumstances she should see them again if she saw them ever . Helen was a Christian girl , and many a time had she prayed in secret that He who rules the deep would keep its waters calm and still while her sister was upon them , and she prayed so now , constantly , burying her face once in her hands , and asking that Katy might come back to them unchanged , if possible , and asking next that God would remove from her heart all bitterness toward the bridegroom , who was to be her brother , and whom , after that short , earnest prayer , she found herself liking better . He loved Katy , she was sure , and that was all she cared for , though she did wish he would release her before twelve o'clock on that night , the last she would spend with them for a long , long time . But Wilford kept her with him in the parlor , kissing away the tears which flowed so fast when she recalled the prayer said that night by Uncle Ephraim , with her kneeling by him as she might never kneel again . He had called her by her name and his voice was very sad as he commended her to God , asking that he would `` be with our little Katy wherever she might go , keeping her in all the mewandering scenes of life , and bringing her at last to his own heavenly home . '' Wilford himself was touched , and though he noticed the deacon 's pronunciation , he did not even smile , and his manner was very respectful , when after the prayer over and they were alone , the white-haired deacon felt it incumbent upon him to say a few words concerning Katy .