eleven o'clock
A real old-fashioned hamper , full of all the good things they are least likely to have . Game pie -- '' `` Tongue -- one of those big , shiny fellows , with scriggles of sugar down his back -- '' `` Ice-pudding in a tin -- '' `` Fancy creams -- '' `` French fruits -- '' `` Crackers ! Handsome ones , with things inside that are worth having -- '' `` Bon-bons -- '' Each one had a fresh suggestion to make , and Margaret scribbled them all down on the ivory tablet which hung from her waist , and promptly adjourned into the kitchen to give the necessary orders , and to rejoice the hearts of her handmaidens by granting a day 's leave all round . On further consideration it was decided to attend early service at home , and to start off on the day 's expedition at eleven o'clock , arriving at the Revell homestead about one , by which time it was calculated that the family would have returned from church , and would be hanging aimlessly about the garden , in the very mood of all others to welcome an unexpected excitement . Christmas Day broke clear and bright . Punctual to the minute the motor came puffing along , the youthful-looking chauffeur drawing up before the door with an air of conscious complaisance . Despite his very professional attire -- perhaps , indeed , because of it -- so very youthful did he appear , that Jack was visited by a qualm .