five minutes to twelve
Mr. Blyth has knocked down a fork and two spoons , just as they were laid straight , by whisking past the table like a madman on his way into the garden . Mr. Blyth has bumped up against the housemaid in returning to the dining-room , and has apologized to Susan by a joke which makes her giggle ecstatically in Vance 's own face . If this sort of thing is to go on for a day or two longer , though he has been twenty years at the Rectory , Vance will be goaded into giving the doctor warning . It is five minutes to twelve . Valentine has skipped into the garden for the thirtieth time at least , to beg that Mrs. Joyce and the young ladies will repair to the dining-room , and be ready to set Mrs. Peckover and her little charge quite at their ease the moment they come in . Mrs. Joyce consents to this proposal at last , and takes his offered arm ; touching it , however , very gingerly , and looking straight before her , while he talks , with an air of matronly dignity and virtuous reserve . She is still convinced that Mr. Blyth 's principles are extremely loose , and treats him as she might have treated Don Juan himself under similar circumstances .