three o'clock
But he had to return her purse to her own safe keeping before he could be induced to do anything more , after which he went round and solemnly shook hands with each of the girls , smiling very wide with pleasure at the pats and caresses he got , until , on coming to Poppy , she flung her baby arms about his great rough neck , crying , `` Oh , you darling , you darling , '' and kissed his soft brown cheek , upon which he looked up at her adoringly , and seated himself beside her . Then Anna came forward and seemed quite pleased when they all shook hands with her ; and Guard , seeing every one else so hearty , began to dash round and round again as he looked ecstatically from one to the other , making little low cries of pleasure . `` Now then , Anna , '' said Miss Ashe at last , `` we really must show these poor children their rooms , and let them wash and refresh themselves before tea ; they must be longing to , and I am sure they are famished -- are n't you , children ? '' They remembered their ` tea ' at three o'clock , and blushed ; but that really did seem hours ago now , and they honestly were very hungry again . Perhaps the moor air had something to answer for already . `` Well , come along , '' said Miss Ashe , while , murmuring something about hot water , she bustled off to the kitchen . `` No , Guard , you must wait down here , '' said his mistress , as he rose to follow them ; and with his feet on the bottom stair he stood still , gazing after them longingly , but without attempting to follow .