twelve
o'clock
Now that was tact , for two of the ruling foibles of the masculine mind were touched . The lobster was instantly surrounded by a halo of pleasing reminiscences , and curiosity about ` the charming young ladies ' diverted his mind from the comical mishap . `` I suppose he 'll laugh and joke over it with Laurie , but I sha n't see them , that 's a comfort , '' thought Amy , as Tudor bowed and departed . She did not mention this meeting at home -LRB- though she discovered that , thanks to the upset , her new dress was much damaged by the rivulets of dressing that meandered down the skirt -RRB- , but went through with the preparations which now seemed more irksome than before , and at twelve o'clock all was ready again . Feeling that the neighbors were interested in her movements , she wished to efface the memory of yesterday 's failure by a grand success today , so she ordered the ` cherry bounce ' , and drove away in state to meet and escort her guests to the banquet . `` There 's the rumble , they 're coming ! I 'll go onto the porch and meet them .