seven o'clock
A two hours ' journey would take them within five miles of an East Coast village , where some years before he had discovered an ideal spot for a picnic . This was no less than a tiny island lying out some distance from the shore -- a charming little islet , its shores washed by the waves , its crest covered with grass , and shadowed by a tuft of trees . There were a few good boats to be obtained , and the fishermen would help Rob and himself to row the party across , while , once arrived on the island , what could be more delightful than to sit on the sand with the waves splashing up to their very feet , to drink in the fresh sea breeze , and enjoy their luncheon under the shade of the trees ? They would have to leave early , as it might grow chilly in such an exposed place , but as the last train left the station at seven o'clock , they would have no temptation to prolong their stay . The chorus of delight grew louder than ever as he spoke , and Mrs Asplin 's feeble objections were scarcely allowed a hearing . The girls laughed her to scorn when she tried to prove the superiority of places in the neighbourhood , and even Arthur paid less than his usual deference to her opinion , though he did check himself in the midst of an explanation to ask what objections she had to offer to his plan . `` I -- I -- Oh , none at all , only it is so far-off , and I 'm nervous about you , dears !