five minutes before noon
I was not in the mood to discuss her with him ; I had other things to think of . `` Mr. Chiffinch , '' I said , `` I am very much obliged to you ; but I must be off for my own packing . '' And I bade him good-day . * * * * * When I rode into the court , five minutes before noon , a very piteous little group awaited me by the inner gate . Dolly , very white and angry , stood by the mounting-block , striving to preserve her dignity . Her maid was behind her , arguing how the bags should be disposed on the pack-horse , with the fellow who was to lead it . Dolly 's own horse was not yet come ; but as I rode up to salute her , he came out of an archway led by a groom .