8 o'clock
A pony cart from Homer Villa was waiting for them and Leslie and Sylvia were soon at their lodgings . A fat good tempered looking woman showed them into a comfortable parlour where a lovely tea consisting of ham sandwiches , poached eggs , tea and bread and butter was waiting for them . And here we will leave them to enjoy it while we take the train back to Mayfield . About 1/4 to 8 o'clock the dressing bell at Yellowflower Hall pealed forth its usual summons . `` I am glad dinner is so nearly ready '' said untidy Mr. Earlsdown straightening his tie and running a comb through his hair `` I 'll go and have a quiet glass of claret while I am waiting -- perhaps Sylvia will appear by then . '' Mr. Earlsdown had just drained his glass when Johnson brought in some pea soup , bacon and green cabbage , merangues and chocolate pudding . `` Do n't trouble about ringing the second bell Johnson '' said Mr. Earlsdown `` just call Miss Monton and I will begin . ''