eight o’clock
Look , '' she said quickly , sinking back into her corner , `` what a pretty pinkness there is on all the hilltops ! The sun will rise in a moment . '' Waldo lifted his eyes to look round over the circle of golden hills ; and the horses , as the first sunbeams touched them , shook their heads and champed their bright bits , till the brass settings in their harness glittered again . It was eight o'clock when they neared the farmhouse : a red-brick building , with kraals to the right and a small orchard to the left . Already there were signs of unusual life and bustle : one cart , a wagon , and a couple of saddles against the wall betokened the arrival of a few early guests , whose numbers would soon be largely increased . To a Dutch country wedding guests start up in numbers astonishing to one who has merely ridden through the plains of sparsely-inhabited karoo . As the morning advances , riders on many shades of steeds appear from all directions , and add their saddles to the long rows against the walls , shake hands , drink coffee , and stand about outside in groups to watch the arriving carts and ox-wagons , as they are unburdened of their heavy freight of massive Tantes and comely daughters , followed by swarms of children of all sizes , dressed in all manner of print and moleskin , who are taken care of by Hottentot , Kaffer , and half-caste nurses , whose many-shaded complexions , ranging from light yellow up to ebony black , add variety to the animated scene .