about three o'clock
Peckaby had just come in from the forge , grimed and dirty . He touched his hair to Lionel , an amused expression playing on his face . In point of fact , this New Jerusalem vision was affording the utmost merriment to Peckaby and a few more husbands . Peckaby had come home to his tea , which meal it was the custom of Deerham to enjoy about three o'clock . He saw no signs of its being in readiness ; and , but for the presence of Mr. Verner , might probably have expressed his opinion demonstratively upon the point . Peckaby , of late , appeared to have changed his nature and disposition . From being a timid man , living under wife-thraldom , he had come to exercise thraldom over her .