two o'clock in the afternoon
He tried with might and main to master it ; for he well knew that if he did not , his visit to the wonderful show must be postponed indefinitely . He strove like a hero , and was actually sick several hours before the watchful eyes of his mother and aunt discovered his plight . The moment came when he could hold out no longer , with his teeth rattling like castanets , and his red face so hot that it was painful to the touch . Since the performance did not open until two o'clock in the afternoon , he did not as yet abandon all hope . His mother and aunt sympathized with him ; but although he rallied to a great extent from his illness , they could not give consent for him to leave the house . He partook of refreshment , and left his bed at noon . At two o'clock he was able to sit in the chair by the window , with his fever greatly abated , and an hour later he was as free from all traces of the ague as you or I .