twelve o'clock
A big tea-table was set by the fire , and the massive silver upon it winked delightedly at the newly arrived guest . The fire -LRB- Miss Abingdon was famous for her good fires -RRB- roared joyfully up the chimney ; the dogs knew Jane 's voice long before she was out of the carriage , and proceeded to give an almost hysterical demonstration of their affection . And Miss Abingdon , whom emotion always made more than usually severe , snubbed her maid and scolded the butler , and , sitting down by the fire while Jane poured out tea , entered into so long and minute an account of the gardener 's shortcomings that it would seem as though her niece had come from London for no other reason than to hear the recital of her wrongs . ` You must go to bed early , ' said Miss Abingdon when she and Jane went to dress for dinner ; and she kept her up talking until long after twelve o'clock . Mrs. Avory was established in a charming little cottage almost at the gate of the Vicarage , and was a sort of senior curate to Canon Wrottesley . Mrs. Avory , Miss Abingdon said , was really able to appreciate the canon , and in going so far the lady probably meant that Mrs. Avory wholly admired and perhaps came very near to accepting as her Pope the good-looking vicar . Mr. Lawrence was being most attentive and useful , as he always was , and had chosen a new tea-service for Miss Abingdon the last time he was in town -- his taste was perfect in such matters .