midday
Mr. Vawdrey looked at his watch and hurried away without a word . The draper and the dentist were each reminded of the calls of business . In a minute or two the youth dozing over an illustrated paper had the room to himself . For a characteristic scene of English life one could not do better than take Mr. Liversedge 's dining-room when the family had assembled for the midday meal . Picture a long and lofty room , lighted by windows which opened upon a lawn and flower-garden , adorned with large oil paintings -LRB- cattle-pieces and portraits -RRB- in massive and , for the most part , tarnished frames , and furnished in the solidest of British styles -- mahogany chairs and table , an immense sideboard , a white marble fireplace , and a chandelier hanging with ponderous menace above the gleaming expanse of table-cloth . Here were seated eleven persons : Mr. Liversedge and his wife , their seven children -LRB- four girls and three boys -RRB- , Miss Pope the governess , and Mr. Denzil Quarrier ; waited upon by two maid-servants , with ruddy cheeks , and in spotless attire . Odours of roast meat filled the air .