twelve o'clock
She performed her household duties as thoroughly as usual , but Elsie , to whom the storm had brought a holiday , noticed that she looked out of the window and at the clock frequently . Once she even went so far as to tell the young lady that she felt `` kind of queer ; jest as if somethin' was goin ' to happen . '' As the housekeeper was not the kind to be troubled with presentiments , Elsie was surprised . Dinner was on the table at twelve o'clock , but Captain Eri was not there to help eat it , and they sat down without him . And here again Mrs. Snow departed from her regular habit , for she ate little and was very quiet . She was the first to hear an unusual sound outside , and , jumping up , ran to the window . `` Somebody 's drivin ' into the yard , '' she said .