one o'clock
Silence and stillness prevailed , and not a man ventured so much as to cough . Chia She and the other men were standing outside the door giving on to the street on the west ; and old lady Chia and the other ladies were outside the main entrance of the Jung mansion at the head of the street , while at the mouth of the lane were placed screens to rigorously obstruct the public gaze . They were unable to bear the fatigue of any further waiting when , at an unexpected moment , a eunuch arrived on horseback , and Chia Cheng went up to meet him , and ascertained what tidings he was the bearer of . `` It 's as yet far too early , '' rejoined the eunuch , `` for at one o'clock -LRB- her highness -RRB- will have her evening repast , and at two she has to betake herself to the Palace of Precious Perception to worship Buddha . At five , she will enter the Palace of Great Splendour to partake of a banquet , and to see the lanterns , after which , she will request His Majesty 's permission ; so that , I 'm afraid , it wo n't be earlier than seven before they set out . '' Lady Feng 's ear caught what was said . `` If such be the case , '' she interposed , `` may it please your venerable ladyship , and you , my lady , to return for a while to your apartments , and wait ; and if you come when it 's time you 'll be here none too late . ''