four o'clock
My dear , '' she added , turning to her niece , `` would you oblige me by ringing that bell ? '' Florence rose and did so . There was an ominous silence between the three until the waiter appeared to answer the summons . `` Three cups of tea and some thin bread and butter at four o'clock , '' said Mrs. Aylmer the great , in an icy tone of command . The waiter said , `` Yes , ma'am , '' bowed , and withdrew . Mrs. Aylmer the less thought of the hearty tea she and Florence would make at home , the shrimps and the brown bread and butter , and the honey and the strong tea with a little cream to flavor it ; nevertheless , her beady black eyes were fixed on her sister-in-law now with a look which almost signified adoration . `` Do n't stare so much , Mabel , '' said Mrs. Aylmer ; `` you have not lost that unpleasant habit ; you always had it from the time I first knew you , and I see your daughter has inherited it .