7:30 sharp
He too seemed singing , dancing . Something had happened . The whole world seemed out and playing . Thompson forgot himself in a most unusual way , forgot that he was an old family servant , that the apron-string met round his middle with difficulty , that the Authorities were away and his responsibilities increased thereby ; forgot too , that for twenty years he had been answering bells , over-hearing conversations without pretending to do so , and that visitors wanted hot water and early tea at `` 7:30 sharp . '' He remembered suddenly that he was a man -- and that he was very fond of some one . The birds were singing , the sun was shining , the flowers were out upon the lawn , and it was Spring . An amazing longing in him woke and stirred to life .