one
o'clock
Pencils of dancing light streamed out of the windows sufficiently to show the white laurestinus flowers , and glance over the polished leaves of laurel . The interior of the rooms could be seen distinctly , warmed up by the fire-flames , which in the parlor were reflected from the glass of the pictures and bookcase , and in the kitchen from the utensils and ware . `` Let us look at the dear place for a moment before we call them , '' she said . In the kitchen dinner was preparing ; for though Melbury dined at one o'clock at other times , to-day the meal had been kept back for Grace . A rickety old spit was in motion , its end being fixed in the fire-dog , and the whole kept going by means of a cord conveyed over pulleys along the ceiling to a large stone suspended in a corner of the room . Old Grammer Oliver came and wound it up with a rattle like that of a mill . In the parlor a large shade of Mrs. Melbury 's head fell on the wall and ceiling ; but before the girl had regarded this room many moments their presence was discovered , and her father and stepmother came out to welcome her .