twelve o'clock sharp
I have been twenty years in the country and I can tell you many a curious tale . To-morrow will be Sunday and , if you like , I will call round and take you to do a bit of sightseeing -- the Pagoda and the lakes . '' `` I should enjoy it of all things ; perhaps you will have tiffin with me at the hotel ? '' `` No , you must come to us ; twelve o'clock sharp , and afterwards we 'll make a start . '' `` Then I 'll just go in and say good-bye to Mrs. Salter . '' When they entered the sitting-room , where lamps had been lighted , they found the lady of the house in an ecstasy of admiration , gesticulating with her tiny brown hands , as she gloated over a length of rose and silver brocade . Standing beside her was the proud owner of this magnificence ; a slim , graceful girl , wearing heavy gold ornaments and flowers in her hair , and , in spite of an extravagant use of pearl powder , undeniably pretty .