twelve o'clock
But it is the old story , the sins of the fathers -- Can no miseries of mine be enough to free her ? '' She turned away into her own room , and shut the door softly , so as not to wake her child ; yet firmly , as if she would shut out even that child from all share in her solitary burden . Maurice 's prediction of a fine day proved true . At twelve o'clock the weather was as brilliant as possible ; the sky blue and clear , the river blue and glittering . The Mermaid , a small steamer , lay in the wharf , gaily decorated with flags ; and throngs of people began to gather at the landing and on the deck . Among a group of the most important guests , stood the acknowledged leader of the expedition , the ` Queen of Cacouna , ' Mrs. Bellairs . She was talking fast and merrily to everybody in turn , giving an occasional glance to the provision baskets as they were carried on board , and meantime keeping an anxious look-out along the bank of the river , for the appearance of her own little carriage , which ought to have been at the rendezvous long ago .