twelve o'clock
------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ralph bore no malice ; even his momentary irritation at finding himself , as he considered , `` left in the lurch , '' lasted but a few moments after his return to the hall . Darsie would rather have had it last a little longer . To see an unclouded face , to catch the echo of merry laughter within ten minutes of a humiliating confession , seemed but another instance of instability of character . It seemed literally impossible for Ralph to feel deeply on any subject for more than a few moments at a time ; nevertheless , such was the charm of his personality that she felt both pleased and flattered when twelve o'clock approached and he came smilingly forward to lead her to her place in the great ring encircling the whole room . `` I must have you and mother -- one on either side , '' he said , and as they crossed the floor together Darsie was conscious that every eye in the room followed them with a smiling significance . The young Squire , and the pretty young lady who was his sister 's friend -- a nice pair they made , to be sure ! Every brain was busy with dreams of the future , weaving romantic plans , seeing in imagination other scenes like the present , with Darsie in the place of hostess .