nine o’clock
Their straight trunks stood like rows of brown columns , while their shiny leaves showed brightly against the blue of the sky , and cast upon the ground a network of light and shadow , figuring the palms of some Indian fabric . Here there was shade beside which that of the European orchard seemed colourless , insipid ; the warm joy of sunlight , softened into flying gold-dust ; the glad certainty of evergreen foliage ; the penetrating perfume of blossom , and the more subdued fragrance of fruit ; all helping to fill the body with the soft languor of tropical lands . ` And now let us breakfast , ' cried Albine , clapping her hands . ` It must be at least nine o'clock , and I am very hungry . ' She had risen from the ground . Serge confessed that he , too , would find some food acceptable . ` You goose ! '