half past eleven
`` I was just going up to him to speak about my parish affairs when you arrived . '' `` You had better have your dinner first , '' Mrs. Vickars said decidedly . `` When you once get with the earl and begin talking you lose all account of the time , and only last week kept dinner waiting for two hours . It is half past eleven now , and I will hurry it on so that it will be ready a few minutes before noon . '' `` Very well , my dear ; but I will go out into the village at once and find a messenger to despatch to Crepping Hall with the letters to Dame Elizabeth and John Vere . '' The boys ' story was not told until after supper , for as soon as dinner was over Mr. Vickars went up to the castle with the letters for the earl . The latter , after reading them , told him that his cousin spoke most highly of his two sons , and said they had been of great service , even as far as the saving of his life .