three in the afternoon
I would that I could wish you good fortune ; but , Godwin , I can not . I fear me that this may be the edge of that shadow of woman 's love whereof you spoke , falling cold upon my heart . '' `` There is no shadow ; there is light , now and always , as we have sworn that it should be , '' answered Godwin . Chapter Four : The Letter of Saladin Twas past three in the afternoon , and snow clouds were fast covering up the last grey gleam of the December day , as Godwin , wishing that his road was longer , walked to Steeple church across the meadow . At the door of it he met the two serving women coming out with brooms in their hands , and bearing between them a great basket filled with broken meats and foul rushes . Of them he asked if the Lady Rosamund were still in the church , to which they answered , curtseying : `` Yes , Sir Godwin ; and she bade us desire of you that you would come to lead her to the Hall when she had finished making her prayers before the altar . '' `` I wonder , '' mused Godwin , `` whether I shall ever lead her from the altar to the Hall , or whether -- I shall bide alone by the altar ? ''