noon
The next morning after the eleven o'clock recitation had begun , Linda made a pretext for leaving the room . She slipped down into the basement and then came back to her seat to await developments . Meanwhile , the well-ordered routine of Lakeview Hall was proceeding as usual . The hands of the great clock in the English recitation room pointed to a quarter of twelve , and sidelong looks were being cast at it in pleasurable anticipation of the noon hour . Bang ! Suddenly the crash of a loud explosion filled every one with terror . The building trembled to its foundations .