seven o'clock
There were plates and knives and forks enough for everybody -- picnicking being a business thoroughly well understood at The Knoll ; but there was a good deal wanting in the guests . Ida was thoughtful , Urania obviously sullen , Bessie amiably stupid ; but Dr. Rylance appeared to think that they were all enjoying themselves intensely . ` Now this is what I call really delightful , ' he said , as he poured out the sparkling Devonshire cider with as stately a turn of his wrist as if the liquor had been Cliquot or Roederer . ` An open-air luncheon on such a day as this is positively inspiring , and to a man who has breakfasted at seven o'clock on a cup of tea and a morsel of dry toast -- thanks , yes , I prefer the wing if no one else will have it -- such an unceremonious meal is doubly welcome . I 'm so glad I found you . Lucky , was n't it , Ranie ? ' He smiled at his daughter , as if deprecating that stolid expression of hers , which would have been eminently appropriate to the funeral of an indifferent acquaintance , -- a total absence of all feeling , a grave nullity .