one o'clock
If any one had foretold that he should feel time drag heavily in Lilias 's company , and cast about in his mind for subjects on which to talk , how he would have derided the idea ! yet , alas , it had come true , for he felt a distinct sense of gratitude towards Nan when she thrust her head out of a bedroom window and summoned Lilias to her assistance . When there is no sympathy in the great principles of life , small talks become increasingly difficult , as this poor fellow was discovering to his cost . Punctually at one o'clock the door of Thurston House was thrown open , and Mrs Rendell was discovered standing upon the threshold , issuing final directions to her flock . `` Stop talking ! My dear , good girls , if you insist upon speaking all together , how am I to make myself heard ? Pray calm yourselves , and behave like reasonable beings .