half after one
He has bought two specimens of poultry , which , if there be any truth in adages , were certainly not caught with chaff , to be prepared for the spit ; he has amazed and rejoiced the family by their unlooked-for production ; he is himself directing the roasting of the poultry ; and Mrs. Bagnet , with her wholesome brown fingers itching to prevent what she sees going wrong , sits in her gown of ceremony , an honoured guest . Quebec and Malta lay the cloth for dinner , while Woolwich , serving , as beseems him , under his father , keeps the fowls revolving . To these young scullions Mrs. Bagnet occasionally imparts a wink , or a shake of the head , or a crooked face , as they made mistakes . `` At half after one . '' Says Mr. Bagnet . `` To the minute . They 'll be done . ''