a quarter before four
`` You can tell best . '' `` I tell you what , Aunt Lucy Lee , '' said Mrs. Mudge , her eyes blazing with anger , `` If you dare insinuate to any living soul that I stole your paltry money , which I do n't believe you ever had , I will be bitterly revenged upon you . '' She flaunted out of the room , and Aunt Lucy , the first bitterness of her disappointment over , retired to bed , and slept more tranquilly than the unscrupulous woman who had robbed her . At a quarter before four Paul started from his humble couch , and hastily dressed himself , took up a little bundle containing all his scanty stock of clothing , and noiselessly descended the two flights of stairs which separated him from the lower story . Here he paused a moment for Aunt Lucy to appear . Her sharp ears had distinguished his stealthy steps as he passed her door , and she came down to bid him good-by . She had in her hands a pair of stockings which she slipped into his bundle .