nearly five o'clock in the afternoon
`` I 'm afraid I ought n't to impose on you , Miss Mercer , '' he said . `` But really , since you 're so pressing -- well , I shall be most happy to come . '' When they arrived at the farm , after the swift run in the Mercer car , Miss Mercer took Holmes out on the big back piazza , and Bessie and Dolly , under the watchful eyes of Jamieson , made up for their long fast . It was nearly five o'clock in the afternoon when they reached the dining-room , and Jamieson laughed as he saw them eat . `` You 'll spoil your appetites for dinner , '' he said , as he saw Dolly making away with the cold meat and bread and milk that had been provided for them . `` I do n't care ! '' she answered .