Five o'clock
`` Very , '' says Lowry , with a look that implies his absence from her side was the sole cause of its tedium , and such an amount of emphasis as awakens in Sir Penthony a mad desire to horsewhip him . Though how , in these degenerate days , _ can _ one man horsewhip another because he makes use of that mild word `` very '' ? It certainly is a delicious evening . Five o'clock has crept on them almost insensibly , and tea has been brought out to the veranda . Within , from the drawing-room , a roaring fire throws upon the group outside white arms of flame , as though petitioning them to enter and accept its warm invitation . Marcia , bending over the tea-tray , is looking tall and handsome , and perhaps a degree less gloomy than usual . Philip , too , is present , also tall and handsome ; only he , by way of contrast , is looking rather more moody than usual .