eight o'clock
in the evening
We will make no definite plan ; it 's distance that swallows up the money , so we 'll start off for Brussels , and move on when we feel inclined , possibly to the Rhine , and so to Heidelberg . '' And Sally , in the joyousness of her mood , felt that all places would be alike delightful in the company of her brother . Two days later found the brother and sister seated in the garden of the _ café _ that adjoins the park at Brussels . Even now , at eight o'clock in the evening , it was exceedingly hot , and the boughs of the trees overhead , through which here and there a star glimmered , were absolutely motionless . The band which played was the best string-band in Brussels , attracting a great throng of listeners ; and every table around them had its complement of guests ; and the civil waiters who flitted hither and thither had almost more than they could do to keep the tables properly served . Paul was smoking and reading the paper , but Sally needed no better amusement than to watch the various groups about her , and to listen to the exquisite playing of the band . `` We want something like this in England , Paul , '' she said , laying a hand on his arm -- `` lots of places like this out-of-doors in the fresh air , under the stars and trees , where people can go and drink their tea or coffee , and listen to music that must refine them whilst they listen . ''