about three o'clock
In spite of her many amiable and agreeable qualities , however , it took Lettice a little time to believe that she should ever make a friend of Mrs. Hartley , whose habit of assorting and labelling her acquaintances in groups struck her at first as artificial and conventional . Lettice objected , for her own part , to be classified . She had been entreated so often by Clara to go to one of Mrs. Hartley 's afternoons that it was with some compunction of heart that she prepared at last to fulfil her long-delayed promise . She walked from Brook Green to Edwardes Square , about three o'clock one bright Sunday afternoon , in February , and found Clara waiting for her . Clara was looking very trim and smart in a new gown of inexpensive material , but the latest , and she surveyed Lettice in a comprehensive manner from top to toe , as if to ascertain whether a proper value had been attached to Mrs. Hartley 's invitation . `` You look very nice , '' was her verdict . `` I am so glad that you have relieved your black at last , Lettice .