four o'clock
she went on : `` Well , ' if she do n't keep things nice ! ` Taters all sprouted ; an ' the preserve cupboard never looked better in my day . Mary 's been well brought up , -- I 'll say that for her . '' Old Lady Lamson must have spent at least half an hour in the cellar , for when she ascended it was after four o'clock , and the school-children had passed the house on their way home . She heard their voices under the elms at the turn of the road . `` I ai n't to blame if I ca n't ketch 'em , '' she remarked calmly , as she blew out her light . `` I do n't see 's anybody could say I was to blame .