one o'clock precisely
Such was the character given to Gervase Vanburgh in Miss Elsie Rendell 's diary that evening ; and perhaps for once the youthful author was not far wrong in her conclusions ! The next morning at ten o'clock the Italian servant was entrusted with a message from his master which created a wild excitement in the Rendell family . Mr Vanburgh was restored to his usual health , and wished to celebrate that fact , and provide at the same time a little entertainment for his nephew , by giving an _ alfresco _ luncheon in the garden , to which he invited his friends at Thurston House . The meal would be served under the beech-tree on the lawn , and Mr Vanburgh hoped to welcome his guests at one o'clock precisely . `` But not all of us ! There are six of us -- six women -- not to mention Mr Talbot . Mr Vanburgh can not mean to include the school-room party !