five o'clock in the afternoon
This was the question which Valentine Hawkehurst was fain to ask himself sometimes ; this doubt was the shadow which sometimes made a sudden darkness that obscured the sunshine . Happily for Charlotte 's true lover , the shadow did not often come between him and the light of those dear eyes which were his pole-stars . The December days were shortening as the year drew to its close , and afternoon tea seemed more than ever delightful to Charlotte and her betrothed , now that it could be enjoyed in the mysterious half light ; a glimmer of chill gray day looking coldly in at the unshrouded window like some ghostly watcher envying these mortals their happiness , and the red glow of the low fire reflected upon every curve and facet of the shining steel grate . To sit by the fire at five o'clock in the afternoon , watching the changeful light upon Charlotte 's face , the rosy glow that seemed to linger caressingly on broad low brow and sweet ripe lips , the deep shadows that darkened eyes and hair , was bliss unspeakable for Mr. Hawkehurst . The lovers talked the prettiest nonsense to each other , while Mrs. Sheldon dozed placidly behind the friendly shelter of a banner-screen hooked on to the chimney-piece , or conversed with Diana in a monotonous undertone , solemnly debating the relative wisdom of dyeing or turning in relation to a faded silk dress . Upon one special evening Valentine lingered just a little longer than usual . Christmas was near at hand , and the young man had brought his liege lady tribute in the shape of a bundle of Christmas literature .