a quarter before twelve
Whether the proposal emanated from some of the Stokebridge men or from the visitors from other villages was afterwards a matter of much dispute , but it gradually became whispered about among the dancing booths and public-houses that there was an intention to give the party from Brook 's a warm reception when they arrived . Volleys of mud and earth were prepared , and some of the overdressed young women tossed their heads , and said that a spattering with mud would do the stuck-up girls no harm . The older pitmen , who would have certainly opposed any such design being carried out , were kept in ignorance of what was intended ; the greater portion were indeed drunk long before the time came when the party would be returning from the fête . At a quarter before twelve Jane Haden , who had been sitting quietly at home , went up to the `` Chequers '' to look after her husband , and to see about his being brought home should he be incapable of walking . The music was still playing in the dancing booths , but the dancing was kept up without spirit , for a number of young men and lads were gathered outside . As she passed she caught a few words which were sufficient to inform her of what was going on . `` Get some sticks oot o ' hedges . ''