twelve o’clock
She made him talk about the Maori pah near his uncle 's farm , where the Sunday services were conducted by an old gentleman tattooed elegantly in the face , but dressed like an English clergyman ; and tell of his aunt 's troubles about the younger generation , whom their elders , though Christians themselves , could not educate , and who she feared would relapse into heathenism , for want of instruction , though with excellent dispositions . `` How glad you must be that you are likely to go ! '' exclaimed Meta to Norman , who had sat silently listening . The sound of the door bell was the first intimation that Harry 's histories had occupied them until long past twelve o'clock . `` Now , then ! '' cried Meta , springing forward , as if intending to meet Flora with the tidings , but checking herself , as if she ought not to be the first . There was a pause .