one o'clock
The tram-cars whizzed by like great jewels . The outside cars went spanking down the broad road , and every jolly-faced jarvey winked at her as he jolted by . The people going up and down the street seemed contented and happy . It was one o'clock , and from all kinds of offices and shops young men and women were darting forth for their lunch ; none of the young men were so hurried but they had a moment to glance admiringly at Mary Makebelieve before diving into a cheap restaurant or cheaper public-house for their food . The gulls in the river were flying in long , lazy curves , dipping down to the water , skimming it an instant , and then wheeling up again with easy , slanting wings . Every few minutes a boat laden with barrels puffed swiftly from beneath a bridge . All these boats had pretty names -- there was the _ Shannon _ , the _ Suir _ , the _ Nore _ , the _ Lagan _ , and many others .