noon
I heard my father drive up to the door and my mother walking about seeing that everything was shut and locked , but I did not hear that as she passed the cellar door she slipped the bolt into place . When they were out of the house , and I heard them drive away , I came out of my hiding place , exulting in the thought that now I was free to do as I liked . I would hurry up to my room , put my best dress and ribbons and things into a traveling bag , and hurry down to Maud 's . I felt my way to the stairs , for it was late afternoon and the cellar -- never very light in the brightest noon -- was at that hour quite dark , and I went up those stairs the happiest , lightest-hearted girl in the world . Alas ! it was my last happy moment for months . I fumbled about for the latch , lifted it , and pushed the door .