about five o'clock
As madam ai n't presidin ' at ` er own tyble I was afryde -- '' It being unnecessary to say more he tiptoed out , leaving behind him a declaration of war , which Miss Walbrook , without saying anything in words , was not slow to pick up . `` Insufferable , '' was her comment to herself . Of the hostile forces against her this , she knew , was the most powerful . Neither did Rash perceive the significance of Barbara 's place at the tea-table when he entered about five o'clock , though she was quick to perceive the significance of his arrival . It was not , however , a point to note outwardly , so that she lifted her hand above the tea-kettle , letting him bend over it , as she exclaimed : `` Welcome to our city ! Do sit down and make yourself at home . Letty and I have been for a drive , and are all ready to enjoy a little male society . ''