five o'clock
She heard the creak of the barrow : it was the new labourer at work in the garden ... . Vera sat at the open window with a book , dozed , and watched the soldier making the paths for her , and that interested her . The paths were as even and level as a leather strap , and it was pleasant to imagine what they would be like when they were strewn with yellow sand . She could see her aunt come out of the house soon after five o'clock , in a pink wrapper and curl-papers . She stood on the steps for three minutes without speaking , and then said to the soldier : `` Take your passport and go in peace . I ca n't have any one illegitimate in my house . '' An oppressive , angry feeling sank like a stone on Vera 's heart .