nearly noon
The neighbors sent newspapers and books for Gladys to read to her aunt during such moments as she was able to listen , and while the girl was thus employed Seth busied himself in the kitchen , taking great pride in keeping every article neat and cleanly , as Aunt Hannah herself would have done . Then came the hour which the boy had been looking forward to with mingled hope and fear . He had fully decided to tell all his story to the little woman who had been so kind to him , and was resolved that the unpleasant task should be accomplished at the earliest opportunity . It was nearly noon ; the good neighbors were at their own homes for a brief visit , and Gladys came from the foreroom , where she had been reading the daily paper aloud , saying to Seth : `` Aunt Hannah thinks I ought to run out of doors a little while because I have stayed in the house so long . There is n't the least bit of need ; but I must go , else she 'll worry herself sick . She says you can sit with her , an ' I 'll take Snippey with me , for he 's needing fresh air more than I am . '' Just for a moment Seth hesitated ; the time had come when he must , if ever , carry his good resolutions into effect , and there was little doubt in his mind but that Aunt Hannah would insist upon his leaving the farm without delay once she knew all his wickedness .