ten minutes to eleven
Every labourer who had a new smock-frock put it on , and those who had none had at least a bit of new red worsted comforter about their throats and began the day by standing at their doors in the cold morning , smoking a `` ha ` p ` orth o ' shag '' in a new clay pipe , greeting each other across the village street . Muggins , who had spent a portion of the night in exchanging affectionate Christmas wishes with the tombstones in the churchyard , appeared fresh and ruddy at an early hour , clad in the long black coat and tall hat which he was accustomed to wear when he drove Mr. Boosey 's fly on great festivals . Most of the cottages in the single street sported a bit of holly in their windows , and altogether the appearance of Billingsfield was singularly festive and mirthful . At precisely ten minutes to eleven the vicar and Mrs. Ambrose , accompanied by John , issued from the vicarage and went across the road by the private path to the church . As they entered the porch Mr. Reid , who stood solemnly tolling the small bell , popularly nicknamed the `` Ting-tang , '' and of which the single rope passed down close to the south door , vouchsafed John a sour smile of recognition . John felt as though he had come home . Mrs. Goddard and Nellie appeared a moment afterwards and took their seats in the pew traditionally belonging to the cottage , behind that of the squire who was always early , and the sight of whose smoothly brushed hair and brown beard was a constant source of satisfaction to Mrs. Ambrose .