about
four o'clock
Klinker 's hunch was not without foundation ; this very question was being agitated at that moment in the room just over his head . Miss Weyland , having passed the parlor portières with no thought that her movements were attracting interest on the other side of them , skipped up the stairs , rapped on her Aunt Jennie 's door , and ran breathlessly into the room . Her aunt was sitting by the bureau , reading a novel from the circulating library . Though she had been sitting right here since about four o'clock , only getting up once to light the gas , she had a casual air like one who is only killing a moment 's time between important engagements . She looked up at the girl 's entrance , and an affectionate smile lit her well-lined face . `` My dear Sharlee ! I 'm so glad to see you . ''