twelve o'clock
Ralph , especially , was utterly unlike himself . They now told Tim to go out and get his breakfast , and to return in two hours ' time ; and then started themselves , rounding their shoulders , and so narrowing their chests as much as possible . Ralph stopped at an optician 's , bought a pair of slightly-colored spectacles , and put them on . It was now twelve o'clock -- the preparations having taken them three hours -- and they went to the cafe where they were to meet Colonel Tempe , to breakfast . He was already there , and they walked up to the table where he was sitting . `` These seats are engaged , '' Colonel Tempe said , shortly . The Barclays sat down at the next table ; and called , in a foreign accent , for two glasses of beer .