twelve o’clock
Across the picture , of which Vance and the luncheon-table form the foreground , and the garden with Mrs. Joyce and the young ladies the middle-distance and background , there flits from time to time an unquiet figure . This personage is always greeted by Leo , the Newfoundland dog , with an extra wag of the tail ; and is apostrophized laughingly by the young ladies , under the appellation of `` funny Mr. Blyth . '' Valentine has in truth let nobody have any rest , either in the house or the garden , since the first thing in the morning . The rector having some letters to write , has bolted himself into his study in despair , and defies his excitable friend from that stronghold , until the arrival of Mrs. Peckover with the deaf and dumb child has quieted the painter 's fidgety impatience for the striking of twelve o'clock , and the presence of the visitors from the circus . As for the miserable Vance , Mr. Blyth has discomposed , worried , and put him out , till he looks suffocated with suppressed indignation . Mr. Blyth has invaded his sanctuary to ask whether the hall clock is right , and has caught him `` cleaning himself '' in his shirt sleeves . Mr. Blyth has broken one of his tumblers , and has mutinously insisted on showing him how to draw the cork of the cowslip wine bottle .