About ten o'clock
Once or twice she fancied him half inclined to disbelieve her , as he saw how readily ` Lena joined in their amusements , and how good-humoredly she bore John Jr. 's teasing , and then she hoped something would occur to prove her words true . Her wish was gratified . The next day was dark and stormy , confining the young people to the house . About ten o'clock the negro who had been to the post-office returned , bringing letters for the family , among which was one for ` Lena , so curious in its shape and superscription , that even the negro grinned as he handed it out . ` Lena was not then present , and Carrie , taking the letter , exclaimed , `` Now if this is n't the last specimen from Yankeedom . Just listen , -- '' and she spelled out the direction -- '' _ To Mis HELL-ENY RIVERS , state of kentucky , county of woodford , Dorsey post offis , care of Mis nichals _ . '' Unobserved by any one , ` Lena had entered the parlor in time to hear every word , and when Carrie , chancing to espy her , held out the letter , saying , `` Here , _ Helleny _ , I _ guess _ this came from down east , '' she darted forward , and striking the letter from Carrie 's hands stamped upon it with her foot , declaring `` she 'd never open it in the world , '' and saying `` they might do what they pleased with it for all of her . ''