three o'clock
When one is prone on the grass , a clothes-line drawn tight about one 's arms , and a triumphant cow-boy of eight years in the very act of placing his foot on one 's neck , it is difficult to look dignified . The sudden intrusion of an unsympathetic personality will banish the romantic illusion . It may be that the sombre look in Mrs. Carville 's face was merely expressive of a doubt of my sanity . For a grown man to be playing with two little boys at three o'clock of a Tuesday afternoon , may have seemed bizarre enough in her view . To me , however , endeavouring to disengage myself from my conqueror and assume an attitude in keeping with my age and reputation , her features were ominously shadowed by displeasure . `` If I disturbed you , '' I said courteously , `` I am sorry . '' She put her hand on the paling and the basket slid down her arm .