twelve o'clock
I have just left my Laura there , and she is in a state of frantic expectation over this composition prize the finest authoress among you is to gain this morning . Are none of you interested ? '' `` Oh , yes , sir , all of us , '' answered Lily Norris , always ready to be spokeswoman ; `` we are going to Miss Ashton 's in a few moments . But we are not to be there until twelve o'clock , and it is not that yet . And if the finest authoress is to have the prize , it will be Maggie 's . '' `` So Laura seems to think , '' said Dr. Middleton , and shy Maggie , not caring to put forth in his presence any further disclaimer to the still undecided honors which her sister and friends seemed determined to put upon her head , smiled doubtfully . `` Doctor , '' she said , `` would you mind telling me how soon you think Lena will be able to bear a little excitement ? ''