five minutes past
twelve
But if he is n't any good I sha n't go again . '' `` I 'll run you over in the car , '' said Toni eagerly , `` and we 'll go on to lunch somewhere . Miss Loder leaves early to-day , so it does n't matter about my not being at home . '' Mrs. Herrick accepted the offer promptly , and at five minutes past twelve the big car pulled up in front of Mr. Dowson 's modest house , much to the excitement of the school children , who were at that moment released from the school-buildings at the end of the street . A quiet little maid showed the visitors into the usual depressing waiting-room ; and reappeared two minutes later to conduct them into the torture chamber itself ; and since Eva flatly refused to go alone , Toni perforce accompanied her into the operator 's presence . Mr. Dowson 's pale face lighted up at the sight of Toni with a radiance which even the self-engrossed Eva could not fail to note . He recollected himself sufficiently to shake hands professionally with his patient , but Toni he greeted warmly , as an old friend .