one o'clock
The minute examination with a magnifying glass of corolla , and stamen , and calyx , etcetera , rendered it necessary , of course , that these inquiries into the mysteries of Nature should bring the two heads pretty close together ; one consequence being that the seed-plant of sympathy was `` forced '' a good deal , and developed somewhat after the fashion of those plants which Hindoo jugglers cause magically to sprout , blossom , and bloom before the very eyes of astonished beholders -- with this difference , however , that whereas the development of the jugglers is deceptive as well as quick , that of our botanists was genuine and natural , though rapid . The clang of the luncheon gong was the first thing that brought them to their senses . `` Surely there must be some mistake ! Junkie must be playing with -- no , it is indeed one o'clock , '' exclaimed Milly , consulting in unbelief a watch so small that it seemed like cruelty to expect it to go at all , much less to go correctly . As she spoke , the door of the conservatory opened , and Mrs Gordon appeared with affected indignation on her usually mild countenance . `` You naughty child ! '' she exclaimed , hurrying forward .