four o'clock
He had found instead that all the village was astir with the news of a tea-meeting , that was to take place that afternoon in the chapel , and that Peters , who was `` something of a Methody , '' as Coomber expressed it , had gone to help in the preparations . He was astonished to see Coomber when he presented himself , and still more to hear the errand he had come upon . He scratched his head , and looked pityingly at the little girl , who held fast to Coomber 's hand . `` Well now , mate , I 'm in a fix , '' he said , slowly , and pointing round the room ; `` I 've got all these forms to move , and to fix up the tables for 'em by four o'clock ; but if you 'll stay and lend a hand , why , you and the little ` un 'll be welcome to stay to tea , I know ; it 's free to all the village to-day , '' he added , `` and the more that come , the better we shall like it . '' Coomber looked at Tiny , and saw how wistfully her eyes rested on a pile of cakes that stood near ; and that look decided him . `` Would you like to have some of it ? '' he said , with a faint smile .