a quarter to four
A staff , from which fluttered a gay little flag , had been driven into the ground , exactly opposite the house ; it was the starting and the winning point . At a certain distance up the river , near to the mill , a boat was moored in mid-stream : this they would row round , and come back again . At three o'clock they were to take the boats ; and , allowing for time being wasted in the start , might be in again and the race won in three-quarters-of-an-hour . But , as is often the case , the time was not adhered to ; one hindrance after another occurred ; there was a great deal of laughing and joking , forgetting of things , and of getting into order ; and at a quarter to four they were not off . But all were ready at last , and most of the rowers were each in his little cockle-shell . Lord Hartledon lingered yet in the midst of the group of ladies , all clustered together at one spot , who were keeping him with their many comments and questions . Each wore the colours of her favourite : the crimson and purple predominating , for they were those of their host .