noon before
On this he wrote : `` MY DEAR CURTIS : -- Keep the ashes for me ; they make good tooth powder . QUINCY . '' The box was then done up and addressed to Curtis Carter , Esq. , the clerk promising to have it delivered at once . Quincy had found a letter at his aunt 's from Mr. Strout , asking him to buy a line of fancy groceries and confectionery for Christmas trade , and it was noon before he had attended to the matter to his complete satisfaction . A hasty lunch and he was once more on his way to New York , and during the trip his hand sought the inside pocket of his coat a score of times , that he might feel assured that the precious document was still there . Arriving , Quincy proceeded at once to the Fifth Avenue Hotel . Sir Stuart was eagerly awaiting his arrival , and his first question was , `` Have you the papers ? ''