half past
twelve
It was very thick and wild , apparently rarely penetrated . Through the close-growing stems of the undergrowth I saw a bluebell carpet lying like inverted sky beneath the oaks . `` The wood looks very attractive , '' I said as I rejoined Viola ; `` but we ca n't stay to go into it now . We have n't the time ; it 's half past twelve already . '' `` I 'm sorry , '' said Viola , looking wistfully at the green wood . `` This is the nicest part ; but I suppose we ca n't disappoint that woman by not getting back to luncheon . '' So we walked back slowly through the noonday sun , admiring the double pink May peeping out from the green hedges .