four o'clock
How funny it would be ! Imagine you writing to me , Edna -- ` My dear Eleanora , you must not think my long silence has arisen from any want of affection towards you and yours . ... And how has it been with you , my valued friend ? ' '' The burst of laughter which greeted this speech did something to liven the gloom which was fast settling upon the little party , and presently Mr Bertrand 's voice was heard calling from the verandah -- `` Now then , children , what are we to do until four o'clock ? Do you want to go on the lake ? '' `` It 's no good , sir . We could row round it in ten minutes . ''