four in the afternoon
He had promised Sam Penhaligon to do his best when the family shifted quarters : and now Mrs Penhaligon would not hear of his lifting so much as a hand . He spent most of the day out on the cliffs , idly watching the military . Mrs Penhaligon had invoked the aid of Farmer Best ; and Farmer Best -LRB- always a friend of the unfriended -RRB- had sent down two hay waggons to transport the household stuff . By four in the afternoon , or thereabouts , the last load had been carried and was in process of delivery at Aunt Bunney 's cottage . At a quarter to five Nicky-Nan returned to the desolate house . The front door stood open , of course . So -LRB- somewhat to his surprise -RRB- did the door of the Penhaligons ' kitchen .