three o'clock
We stayed the morning in town , when I interviewed a house agent , and set him on the search for suitable flats , and then we adjourned to the West End to buy a becoming new hat . It always soothes me to buy hats . In times of doubt and depression it is an admirable tonic to the feminine mind . At three o'clock we left Waterloo for our two hours ' journey , and arrived at the old-fashioned inn , which was to act as rendezvous , before half-past five . Charmion was awaiting us in a private sitting-room , long , oak-beamed , spotlessly clean , and a trifle musty , with that faint but unmistakable mustiness which hangs about old rooms and old furniture . Tea was set out on one half of the oak dining-table . The china was of the old-fashioned white and gold order , the cups very wide at the brim and cramped at the handle , and possessing a dear little surprise rose at the base , which peeped out through a hoar frost of sugar as you drained the last gulp .