fifteen minutes past twelve
Thus clad , she peered out into the tent , went to the ha-ha , and satisfied herself that at any rate the youngsters were amusing themselves , spoke a word to Mrs. Greenacre over the ditch , and took one look at the quintain . Three or four young farmers were turning the machine round and round and poking at the bag of flour in a manner not at all intended by the inventor of the game ; but no mounted sportsmen were there . Miss Thorne looked at her watch . It was only fifteen minutes past twelve , and it was understood that Harry Greenacre was not to begin till the half-hour . Miss Thorne returned to her drawing-room rather quicker than was her wont , fearing that the countess might come and find none to welcome her . She need not have hurried , for no one was there . At half-past twelve she peeped into the kitchen ; at a quarter to one she was joined by her brother ; and just then the first fashionable arrival took place .