four o'clock
She no longer reigned as monarch over all she surveyed . A Czar of Russia , suddenly confronted by a Duma of Radical principles and audacious energy , could not feel more proudly aggrieved and antagonistic , but it is conceivable that a Czar might cherish a secret affection for the leader of an opposition who showed himself honest , clever , and affectionate . In conclave with her own heart , Miss Briskett acknowledged that she cherished a distinct partiality for her niece , but in view of the said niece 's tendency to conceit , the partiality was rigorously concealed . As for Norton society , it welcomed Cornelia with open arms ; that is to say , all the old ladies of Miss Briskett 's acquaintance called upon her , inquired if she liked England , and sent their maids round the following day with neat little notes inviting aunt and niece to take tea on a certain afternoon at half-past four o'clock . These tea-drinkings soon became a daily occurrence , and Cornelia 's attitude towards them was one of consecutive anticipation , amusement , and ennui . You dressed up in your best clothes ; you sat in rows round a stuffy room ; you drank stewed tea , and ate buttered cakes . You met every day the same -- everlastingly the same ladies , dressed in the same garments , and listened every day to the same futile talk .