twelve o'clock
Mr. Bardsley gave leave for Cecil to return home at once ; and Mr. Cunningham said he would call again the next day , out of school hours , to explain more fully how Cecil 's prospects were altered , and ` make some arrangement . ' Jessie was rather alarmed at the sound of this , but Cecil guessed that his father meant to withdraw him from the day school , and wished to offer some compensation for taking him away in this sudden fashion , just at the beginning of the half-year . Spite of Jessie 's tired feet , the walk back was very pleasant ; and neither she nor Cecil were insensible to the honour of having their father all to themselves , and at this unusual time of day too . He explained that he had met their mother in the village , so anxious about Jessie , that instead of waiting till towards twelve o'clock to go into Fairview , he had got Mr. Yorke to finish his parish business for him , and had started off at once , accepting a lift from Mr. Rawson by the way . And when he added quietly , ` You will take care that she is never made uneasy again by any thoughtlessness on your part , Jessie ! ' the little girl answered , ` Yes , father , ' in a very subdued and humble tone , and felt quite as sorry as if he had lectured her for an hour . ` Do you think Mr. Yorke will be at home again now ?