two o'clock
David bounded out of the open window , and Flower went slowly up to her own room . There came a lovely day toward the end of October ; St. Martin 's summer was abroad , and the children , with the Doctor 's permission , had arranged to take a long expedition across one of the southern moors in search of late blackberries . They took their dinner with them , and George , the under-gardener , accompanied the little party for protection . Nurse elected , as usual , to stay at home with baby , for nothing would induce her to allow this treasured little mortal out of her own keeping ; but the Doctor promised , if possible , to join the children at Troublous Times Castle at two o'clock for dinner . This old ruin was at the extreme corner of one of the great commons , and was a very favorite resort for picnics , as it still contained the remains of a fine old banqueting-hall , where in stormy or uncertain weather a certain amount of shelter could be secured . The children started off early , in capital spirits . A light wind was blowing ; the sky was almost cloudless .