a quarter to five
Once or twice Philip looked in , as if he would be glad to see the tea-table in readiness ; and then Phoebe would put on a spurt of busy bustle , which ceased almost as soon as his back was turned , so eager was she to obtain Mrs. Robson 's sympathy in some little dispute that had occurred between her and the nurse-maid . The latter had misappropriated some hot water , prepared and required by Phoebe , to the washing of the baby 's clothes ; it was a long story , and would have tired the patience of any one in full possession of their senses ; but the details were just within poor Bell 's comprehension , and she was listening with the greatest sympathy . Both the women were unaware of the lapse of time ; but it was of consequence to Philip , as the extra labour was not to be begun until after tea , and the daylight hours were precious . At a quarter to five Hester and he came in , and then Phoebe began to hurry . Hester went up to sit by Bell and talk to her . Philip spoke to Phoebe in the familiar words of country-folk . Indeed , until his marriage , Phoebe had always called him by his Christian name , and had found it very difficult to change it into ` master . '