about 3 p.m.
The rain had also washed every particle of dust from the hedges and the foliage of the trees , while it had refreshed the flowers in the villa and cottage-gardens which were scattered along the roadside , causing them to diffuse their sweets so bountifully that the atmosphere was heavy with perfume . The sun shone brilliantly ; the sky was a dazzling blue , flecked here and there with thin white fleecy clouds , the shadows of which , chasing each other over the landscape , imparted additional variety and charm to the scene . My depression of spirits soon yielded to the exhilarating influence of the day , and enabled me to enjoy thoroughly the drive down , the pleasure of which left upon my mind an agreeable impression , to which I often afterwards reverted with much satisfaction . We reached Portsmouth about 3 p.m. , and the coach stopping at the `` George , '' I decided to stop there also , for that night at least ; I accordingly ordered dinner and a room ; and then strolled down to the harbour while the former was being got ready . As , however , I had no intention of reporting myself until the following day , I satisfied myself with ascertaining the whereabouts of my new ship , and taking a distant look at her ; after which I returned to the hotel , sat down to dinner , strolled as far as Southsea Common afterwards , and got back to the hotel and turned in about ten o'clock , determined to make a good long night of it , as I did not know when I should next have the opportunity of taking a whole night 's undisturbed repose . I was on board the `` Juno '' by nine o'clock the next morning , and reported myself to Mr Annesley , the first lieutenant , who , early as it was , already appeared to have been hard at work for some time . `` So you are come down to join ? ''