ten minutes past twelve
Professor Strout sat at the head of the table . At his left was Abner Stiles , while Robert Wood sat next to Stiles . The vacant seat was at the Professor 's right hand , and all eyes were turned toward it , for all had heard of the Boston man who had arrived the night before , but who , much to their disappointment , had not appeared at breakfast . At ten minutes past twelve the door leading into the dining-room from the front entry was opened quietly , and the young man who entered , seeing the vacant chair near the head of the table , took possession of it . For a moment nobody looked up , each apparently waiting for some one else to take the initiative . Quincy , for it was he , broke the silence , and immediately every face at the table was turned towards him . `` How do you do , Professor ? ''