nine o'clock
Everywhere he saw rooks gaping on the low walls that divided the fields . The farmers were complaining ; but they were always complaining -- everyone was complaining . He had complained of the dilatoriness of the Board of Works , and now for the first time in his life he sympathized a little with the Board . If it had built the bridge he would not be enjoying this long drive ; it would be built by-and-by ; he could n't feel as if he wished to be robbed of one half-hour of the long day in front of him ; and he liked to think it would not end for him till nine o'clock . ` These summer days are endless , ' he said . After passing the strait the lake widened out . On the side the priest was driving the shore was empty and barren .