twelve o'clock precisely
At the upper end of the room was erected a stage ; upon that was placed a long table ; behind the table were arranged the seats of the examining committee ; and before it , and below the stage , were ranged , row behind row , the benches for the classes , a separate bench being appropriated to each class . The middle of the room was filled up with additional chairs , arranged in rows , for the accommodation of the audience . The walls were profusely decorated with green boughs and blooming flowers , arranged in festoons and wreaths . At twelve o'clock precisely , the examining committee being in their places , the classbooks on the table before them , the classes ranged in order in front of them , and the greater part of the company assembled , the business of the examination commenced in earnest . The examining committee was composed of the masters of a neighboring collegiate school , who were three in number -- namely , Professor Adams , Doctor Martin , and Mr. Watkins . The school was divided into three classes . They began with the lowest class and ascended by regular rotation to the highest .