eight o'clock
The next day was fine . The children had all been praying for fine weather , that they might entertain Miss Palliser with an exploration of the surrounding neighbourhood . Loud whoops of triumph and sundry breakdown dances were heard in the top story soon after five o'clock , for the juvenile Wendovers were early risers , and when in high spirits made themselves distinctly audible . The eight o'clock breakfast in the old painted dining-room -- all oak panelling , but painted stone colour by generations of Goths and Vandals -- was even more animated than the seven o'clock dinner . Such a breakfast , after the thick bread and butter and thin coffee at Mauleverer . Relays of hot buttered cakes , and eggs and bacon , fish , honey , fresh fruit from the garden , a picturesque confusion of form and colour on the lavishly-furnished table , and youthful appetites ready to do justice to the good cheer . ` What are you going to do with Miss Palliser ? '