three P.M.
... '' However , Mr. V.V. did not purchase shoes and shirts next day , or even a Genuine Mouldform Garment . For that day was Tuesday , July 17th , the day when the professional mercury in the Government `` kiosk '' set its new record , which was like to stand for many years . One hundred and one it announced , not without a touch of pride ; and that day Ours was the hottest city in the United States -LRB- some said in the world -RRB- , and many private thermometers showed one hundred and four , five , and six . And on that day Corinne Garland wilted abruptly in the sickening heat , and her tall machine at the Heth Works stood silent after three P.M. ... Kern came home and went to bed , and suddenly all the current of life in the Dabney House was changed . It was after five when Mr. V.V. , returning from his rounds , heard the news , with a tightening feeling around his heart , and went down the long hall to see her . The little girl lay silent , with feverish cheeks , and did not make a game of sticking out her tongue , which was certainly a bad symptom . However , Kern was sensitive with Mr. V.V. ; she did n't like to answer his questions , would n't tell the truth in fact .