twelve o'clock
The first of May dawns . The carts come . It threatens rain , but not a drop until you get your best rosewood chairs out of doors , and your bedding on the top of the wagon . Be out at twelve o'clock you must , for another family are on your heels , and Thermopylæ was a very tame pass compared with the excitement which rises when two families meet in the same hall -- these moving out and those moving in . They swear , unless they have positive principles to prohibit . A mere theory on the subject of swearing will be no hindrance . Long-established propriety of speech , buttressed up by the most stalwart determination is the only safety .