one o'clock
The authorship of anything you may care to communicate can not possibly be traced , if you will be careful not to write but to print . '' `` Please take the cards away with you to your rooms , and please each of you remain there at least five minutes before coming out . Then take the cards in the envelopes , sealed , down-stairs and deposit them in the mail-box . It will not be unlocked until one o'clock . By that time I shall expect the thief to have deposited my jewelry in some hiding-place about the house or grounds -- a dozen will suggest themselves on a moment 's thought -- the spot to be indicated on the card . By this method ample time is granted in which to make restitution with complete immunity from recognition , the secret will be kept , the scandal hushed up , and , best of all , I shall be able to continue considering each and every one of you my very dear friend . '' `` But '' -- and her handsome old face darkened with the shadow of the determination that rang in her tone -- `` if this scheme should fail , and the thief refuse to make restitution , then , though it break my heart , I shall feel without alternative other than to take certain steps -- steps which I can not now contemplate without positive loathing , so repugnant are they to me ... '' `` Now I have finished , '' Mrs. Gosnold said quietly .