twelve o'clock
In the tide of the Jenkins 's prosperity there came the inevitable ebb . On the fateful Friday morning succeeding the concert , Mrs. Hudgers , looking from her window , saw a little group of children with books under their arms returning from school . Having no timepiece , she was accustomed to depend on the passing to and fro of the children for guidance as to the performance of her household affairs . `` My sakes , but twelve o'clock come quick to-day , '' she thought , as she kindled the fire and set the kettle over it in preparation of her midday meal . A neighbor dropping in viewed these proceedings with surprise . `` Why , Mrs. Hudgers , ai n't you et yer breakfast yet ? '' `` Of course I hev .