five in the afternoon
I may relieve him . There is nothing now too difficult for me to undertake . '' Mrs. Atkinson greatly approved and complimented her friend on all the former part of her speech , except what related to herself , on which she spoke very civilly , and I believe with great truth ; but as to her determination of going to her husband she endeavoured to dissuade her , at least she begged her to defer it for the present , and till the serjeant returned home . She then reminded Amelia that it was now past five in the afternoon , and that she had not taken any refreshment but a dish of tea the whole day , and desired she would give her leave to procure her a chick , or anything she liked better , for her dinner . Amelia thanked her friend , and said she would sit down with her to whatever she pleased ; `` but if I do not eat , '' said she , `` I would not have you impute it to anything but want of appetite ; for I assure you all things are equally indifferent to me . I am more solicitous about these poor little things , who have not been used to fast so long . Heaven knows what may hereafter be their fate ! ''