four in the afternoon
A carrier went from Overcombe at six o'clock thither , and having to do a little shopping for herself she gave it as a reason for her intended day 's absence , and took a place in the van . When she reached the town it was still early morning , but the borough was already in the zenith of its daily bustle and show . The King was always out-of - doors by six o'clock , and such cock-crow hours at Gloucester Lodge produced an equally forward stir among the population . She alighted , and passed down the esplanade , as fully thronged by persons of fashion at this time of mist and level sunlight as a watering-place in the present day is at four in the afternoon . Dashing bucks and beaux in cocked hats , black feathers , ruffles , and frills , stared at her as she hurried along ; the beach was swarming with bathing women , wearing waistbands that bore the national refrain , ` God save the King , ' in gilt letters ; the shops were all open , and Sergeant Stanner , with his sword-stuck bank-notes and heroic gaze , was beating up at two guineas and a crown , the crown to drink his Majesty 's health . She soon finished her shopping , and then , crossing over into the old town , pursued her way along the coast-road to Portland . At the end of an hour she had been rowed across the Fleet -LRB- which then lacked the convenience of a bridge -RRB- , and reached the base of Portland Hill .