four o'clock
Does n't it just smooth your forehead down like a cool hand ! '' There was a poignant sweetness to the mountain air , washed clear by the late rains , and warmed and invigorated by the sunshine of the lengthening March day . The country roads were dark and muddy and churned by wheel tracks , but fringed with emerald grass . Even at four o'clock the little valley was plunged in early shadow , but sunshine lay still upon the hills that framed it , and long lines of light threw the grim heights of Tamalpais into bold relief . The watching tiers of the redwoods looked refreshed , their spreading dark fans were tipped with the jade-green sprays of the year 's new growth . The first pale smoke of wild lilac bloom lay over the hills . `` It makes you think of delicious words , '' said Julia , as Richie 's rusty white mare plodded up and up the mountain road .