ten minutes before ten o'clock
`` Yes , '' he consented , after a moment 's thought , `` I think that is a good idea ! '' And so they left it . Regina roused Norma just in time for the long , wearisome ceremonials of the following day , a cold , bright gusty day , when the wet streets flashed back sombre reflections of the motor wheels , and the newly turned earth oozed flashing drops of water . The cortège left the old Melrose house at ten minutes before ten o'clock , and it was four before the tired , headachy , cramped members of the immediate family group regathered there , to discard the crape-smothered hats , and the odorous , sombre furs , and to talk quietly together as they sipped hot soup and crumbled rolls . Everything had been changed , the flowers were gone , furniture was back in place , and the upper front room had been opened widely to the suddenly spring-like afternoon . There was not a fallen violet petal to remind her descendants that the old mistress of forty full years was gone for ever . Annie 's boys came to bring Mother home , after so many strange days ' absence , and Norma liked the way that Annie smiled wearily at Hendrick , and pressed her white face hungrily against the boys ' blonde , firm little faces .