three o'clock in the afternoon
Think how well the cup would look on your side-board , when you 've blossomed into a parient , and changed the adorable Patty into Mrs. Verdant . Think of that , Master Giglamps ! '' Mr. Bouncer 's argument was a persuasive one , and Mr. Verdant Green consented to be one of the twelve gentlemen , who cheerfully paid their sovereigns to be allowed to make their appearance as amateur jockeys at the forthcoming Grind . After much debate , `` the Wet Ensham course '' was decided upon ; and three o'clock in the afternoon of that day fortnight was fixed for the start . Mr. Smalls gained ~ kudos ~ by offering to give the luncheon at his rooms ; and the host of the Red Lion , at Ensham , was ordered to prepare one of his very best dinners , for the winding up of the day 's sport . `` I do n't mind paying for it , '' said Verdant to Mr. Bouncer , `` if I can but win the cup , and show it to Patty , when she comes to us at Christmas . '' `` Keep your pecker up , old feller !