three o'clock
To go on longer than that would mean that she was eager , and the Grand Duke loathed an eager woman . But he had nothing to say against a little drawing ; and it was during the drawing-lessons of the summer Priscilla was twenty-one that the Countess Disthal slept so peacefully . The summer was hot , and the vast room cool and quiet . The time was three o'clock -- immediately , that is , after luncheon . Through the narrow open windows sweet airs and scents came in from the bright world outside . Sometimes a bee would wander up from the fruit-gardens below , and lazily drone round shady corners . Sometimes a flock of pigeons rose swiftly in front of the windows , with a flash of shining wings .