nearly five o'clock
`` We shall have to shake off dull sloth pretty early to-morrow , '' says Dicky Browne , suddenly , _ apropos _ of nothing that has gone before ; his usual method of introducing a subject . `` Why ? '' asks Portia , almost startled . It is nearly five o'clock , and Mr. Browne , having sequestrated the remainder of the cake , the last piece being the occasion of a most undignified skirmish between him and the Boodie , the Boodie proving victor , is now at liberty to enter into light and cheerful conversation . `` The meet , you know , '' says Dicky . `` Long way off . Hate hunting myself , when I 've got to leave my bed for it . ''