four o'clock in the afternoon
He was still puzzling over it half an hour later when Gustavo came to inquire if the signore had need of anything . Had he need of anything ! He sent Gustavo flying to the stationer 's in search of an Italian-English dictionary . It was four o'clock in the afternoon and all the world -- except Constance -- was taking a siesta . The _ Farfalla _ , anchored at the foot of the water-steps in a blaze of sunshine , was dipping up and down in drowsy harmony with the lapping waves ; she was for the moment abandoned , Giuseppe being engaged with a nap in the shade of the cypress trees at the end of the drive . He was so very engaged that he did not hear the sound of an approaching carriage , until the horse was pulled to a sudden halt to avoid stepping on him . Giuseppe staggered sleepily to his feet and rubbed his eyes .