about four o’clock
He walked into Gravesend , and taking no notice of the rain , which was falling steadily , strolled idly about looking into the shop windows . He had a romantic idea that he might meet Annis Gething there . It was half-holiday at the school , and it was the most natural thing in the world that she should be sauntering about Gravesend in the pouring rain . At about four o'clock , being fairly wet through , he saw the fallacy of the idea strongly , and in a disconsolate fashion , after one glass at a convenient tavern , turned to go back to the ship . A little way along the road he stepped aside to allow a girl to pass , glancing -- by mere force of habit -- beneath her umbrella as he did so . Then he started back guiltily as his eyes met those of Miss Gething . She half stopped .