one o'clock
They reached Boston in ample time for the train , even leaving half an hour to spare . This half hour the old man improved by hunting up the dealer in whose hands were two of his brother 's pictures , leaving Gladys at the station to watch their meagre luggage . He drove a much better bargain than the artist himself could have done , and returned to the station inwardly elated , with four pounds in his pocket ; but he carefully concealed from his niece the success of his transaction -- not that it would have greatly concerned her , she was too listless to take interest in anything . At one o'clock the dreary railway journey began , and after many stoppages and changes , late at night Gladys was informed that their destination was reached . She stepped from the carriage in a half-dazed manner , and perceived that they were in a large , brilliantly-lighted , but deserted , city station . All her worldly goods were in one large , shabby portmanteau , which the old man weighed , first in one hand and then in the other . ` I think we can manage it between us .