Three in the afternoon
`` Lemoine ? '' `` If you please . '' Marsh opened his mouth to answer , but found himself anticipated by one of the youngsters . `` Three in the afternoon is the best time , '' the lad said bluntly , speaking over his shoulder . He popped out his head again , that his face , swollen by his perception of the jest , might not betray it . But the Colonel seemed to see nothing . `` I thank you , '' he said , bowing courteously .