five
o'clock
she said to herself . How many times had she heard in sermons and otherwise that no one ought to look for the sweet without the bitter , and that duty should never be avoided or refused because it is unpleasant ? Now was the time to put her principles to the test ; and the tears relieved her , and gave her something of the feeling of a martyr , which is always consolatory and sweet ; so she dried her eyes , and bathed her face , and went downstairs cheerful and smiling , resolved that , at all costs , her duty should be done , however disagreeable it might be . What a good thing the new fashion of five o'clock tea is for people who have connections in an inferior path of life who make tea a meal , and do n't dine , or dine in the middle of the day ! This was the thought that passed through Phoebe 's mind as she went into the dining-room , and found the table covered , not to say groaning under good things . She took her place at it , and poured out tea for the old people , and cut bread-and-butter with the most gracious philosophy . Duchesses did the same every day ; the tea-table had renewed its ancient sway , even in fashionable life .