twelve o'clock
Certainly nothing of the recluse appeared in his demeanor . Only when they were alone in their own quarters did he show occasionally a longing for the old condition of unmolested tranquillity . To go to his dinner at a set hour , no matter how well prepared it might be , annoyed him . `` There 's no reason in life why they should get a meal ready merely because a timepiece says twelve o'clock . Let them wait until a man 's hungry , '' he would grumble . Then , arrived at the cabin , he would be all courtesy and geniality . When Harry rallied him on his inconsistency , he gravely replied : `` An Irish gentleman is an Irish gentleman the world over , no matter where you find him , in court , camp , or wilderness ; it 's all one to him .