about six o'clock
It was not to be so on the next . The rain , as I have said , came down , putting off the boat-race , and keeping Hartledon 's guests indoors all the morning ; but late in the afternoon some unlucky star put it into Lord Hartledon 's head to go down to the Rectory . His throat was better -- almost well again ; and he was not a man to coddle himself unnecessarily . He paid his visit , stayed talking a considerable time with Mrs. Ashton , whose company he liked , and took his departure about six o'clock . `` You and Anne might almost walk up with me , '' he remarked to the doctor as he shook hands ; for the Rector and Miss Ashton were to dine at Hartledon that day . It was to have been the crowning festival to the boat-race -- the race which now had not taken place . Lord Hartledon looked up at the skies , and found he had no occasion to open his umbrella , for the rain had ceased .