twelve o'clock
Mrs. Tulliver took no notice of her sister 's remark , but threw back her cap-strings and served the pudding in silence . When the dessert came the children were told they might have their nuts and wine in the summer-house , since the day was so mild ; and they scampered out among the budding bushes of the garden like small animals getting from under a burning-glass . The children were to pay an afternoon visit on the following day to Aunt Pullet at Garum Firs , where they would hear Uncle Pullet 's musical-box . Already , at twelve o'clock , Mrs. Tulliver had on her visiting costume . Maggie was frowning , and twisting her shoulders , that she might , if possible , shrink away from the prickliest of tuckers ; while her mother was saying , `` Do n't , Maggie , my dear -- do n't look so ugly ! '' Tom 's cheeks were looking very red against his best blue suit , in the pockets of which he had , to his great joy , stowed away all the contents of his everyday pockets . As for Lucy , she was just as pretty and neat as she had been yesterday , and she looked with wondering pity at Maggie pouting and writhing under the tucker .