three o'clock
His face had taken on the same hue as his nose , and the smile that irradiated his features transcended in its joyous abandon the smiles of all the others . For everyone he had a merry word . In the short space of two hours he had achieved an astonishing popularity . By three o'clock the Fête was in full swing . Every stable in Barton Bridge was full , and the High Street presented a curious appearance , with its rows of horseless carriages , carts , and traps . The coach-houses and available sheds had all been utilised to give shelter to the scores of horses . The members of the committee , wearing big dark-blue rosettes , smiled largely their satisfaction .