five o'clock
Mary then bustled with her trousseau , of which the cost was defrayed by the Dales . The charm of that party was its homelike , almost patriarchal character . A Saturday had been chosen to suit everybody 's convenience , and the fickle June weather was kind to them . One long table was set out on the flags , in the shade of the house wall , close to the kitchen and the hot dishes ; and the meal , which was substantial and lavish , lasted from about half-past three till five o'clock . Dale sat at the head of the table with his wife and the newly married couple ; then there were a coachman and his daughter , and the higgler 's best man ; then Norah Veale and the children , and further off Mrs. Goudie , the dairymaid , and all the men from the yard . Mr. Bates had been asked , but he would not come . Abe Veale came unasked , to Nora 's shame and indignation .