two o'clock
Twice over Bessie read this , then to herself repeated it aloud -- all with thoughts of her friends in the Forest . The next minute her fortitude gave way , tears rushed to her eyes , Madame Fournier 's precepts vanished out of remembrance , and she cried like a child wanting its mother . In which unhappy condition Mrs. Betts discovered her , sitting upon the floor , when the little page came flying to announce luncheon and visitors . It was two o'clock already . Some recent duties of Mrs. Betts 's service had given her , on occasion , an authoritative manner , and she was impelled to use it when she witnessed the forlornness of her young lady . `` I am surprised that you should give way , miss , '' said she . `` In the middle of the day , too , when callers are always liable , and your dear , good grandpapa expects a smiling face !