five o'clock
Nothing could have been better than Farrell 's manner to Ariadne . It was friendly , chivalrous , respectful -- all it should be -- with a note of protection , of unspoken sympathy , which , coming from a man nearly twenty years older than the little lady herself , was both natural and attractive . He made an excellent teacher besides , handling her efforts with a mixture of criticism and praise , which presently roused Nelly 's ambition , and kindled her cheeks and eyes . Time flew and when Hester Martin rose to leave them , Nelly cried out in protest -- ` It ca n't be five o'clock ! ' ` A quarter to -- just time to get home before my girls arrive ! ' ` Oh , and I must go too , ' said Nelly regretfully . ` I promised Bridget I would be in for tea .