about two o'clock
He perceived at once that Miss Gwynne 's equanimity was disturbed ; and said that he was very sorry to come as a substitute for his uncle , but that he would do his best . His manner was so quiet and composed , and he seemed so little alarmed by the honours thrust upon him , that Miss Gwynne gradually became reassured . In less than half-an-hour she told Miss Hall that he was worth a hundred of the vicar , and that after all the sprained ankle was rather a fortunate accident . At about two o'clock the guests began to assemble at the school-house , over the door of which was the motto in dahlias on a ground of evergreens , ` Welcome for all , ' which had been arranged by Miss Hall . The school-room was very tastefully decorated by the mistress , Gladys , and the children ; and the motto , ` Long Live Miss Gwynne , ' was very apparent in scarlet letters amongst a crown of laurels . All the children and their teachers were assembled here , and a great many of their relations , also most of the farmers and their families . In addition , there were Mr and Miss Gwynne , Miss Hall , Lady Mary and Miss Nugent , Colonel Vaughan , who was staying at the Park , Sir Hugh Pryse , Mrs Jonathan Prothero , who left her husband at his particular request , and Rowland .