ten o'clock
Almost every one was punctual for breakfast . They all came in with their gifts for Lady Ethelrida ; and there was much chaffing and joking , and delightful little shrieks of surprise , as the parcels were opened . Every soul loved Lady Ethelrida , from the lordly Groom of the Chambers to the humblest pantry boy and scullery maid ; and it was their delight every year to present her , from them all , with a huge trophy of flowers , while the post brought countless messages and gifts of remembrance from absent friends . No one could have been more sweet and gracious than her ladyship was ; and underneath , her gentle heart was beating with an extra excitement , when she thought of her rendezvous at half-past ten o'clock . Would he -- she no longer thought of him as Mr. Markrute -- would he be able to find the way ? `` I must go and give some orders now , '' she said , about a quarter past ten , to the group which surrounded her , when they had all got up and were standing beside the fire . `` And we all assemble in the hall at eleven . ''