the hour of
twelve
Charlie and the boys all swear by her , and say she would beat the fellow that invented the carnivals . '' `` Fred , do be moderate , '' cried Marguerite ; who at the same moment could not repress a feeling of pride in the boy 's earnestness and filial affection . But Fred , was not to be gainsaid , and edged in his witticisms with an air of infinite satisfaction . Trinity chimed out the hour of twelve , and served as a reminder for the withdrawal of the guests . Josie had succeeded in getting up a first-class encounter with the indomitable Fred , and then beat a hasty retreat , utterly regardless of the least approach to etiquette . `` I will see you again before you go away , Helen ? '' `` Yes , my dear Madge , '' cried the other putting her arms around Marguerite in a sweet caressing manner , `` and I shall have one more chat that will last until I see your dear old face again . ''