twelve o'clock
It is doubtful whether Ellen would have succumbed so easily , had not the two young people returned just then and demanded that they have something to do . As quietly as if she were used to packing and moving every year of her life , Julia Cloud gave them each a pile of newspapers , and set them to wrapping and packing dishes in a big barrel ; and Ellen was forced to join in and say what she wanted to have of her mother 's things . Without a word Julia set aside anything Ellen asked for , even when it was something she would have liked to keep herself ; and Ellen , her lips pursed and her eyes bright with defeat , went from room to room , picking and choosing as if she were at an auction . Allison still in overalls rushed out in the car , and got a man with a moving-wagon ; and before twelve o'clock Ellen Robinson saw a goodly load of household furniture start for her own home ; and , being somewhat anxious as to how it would be disposed on its arrival , she took the car , and sped away to placate Herbert . She really felt quite triumphant at the ease with which she had secured several valuable pieces of mahogany which she knew had always been favorites with Julia . `` Gee ! '' said Allison as the car vanished out of sight , `` is n't Aunt Ellen some depressor ?