three o'clock
Hester sent as many warm things as she thought Margaret could possibly wear . She was not going herself . She wished it much ; but it was decided on all hands that it would be imprudent , as there was no calculating the amount of fatigue which each might have to incur . At three o'clock the party assembled on the wharf on Messrs. Grey and Rowland 's premises , everyone having dined at home . Mrs Rowland had tried to persuade Mr Walcot that he ought not to be out of the way , after what Lady Hunter had said in a note about her terrible headache of yesterday . It might be the beginning of a feverish attack ; and it would be unfortunate if he should be six miles down the river -- not expected home till nine or ten at night , when a messenger should arrive from the Hall . But Mr Walcot had seen few water-parties in the course of his life , and he was resolved to go .