five
o'clock
Now this would never have happened if he had been at home . '' I did not understand her , but then I knew she did not understand the pursuits she so slighted ; and it was beyond my powers to enlighten her . So I did not try . Mr. Thorold was punctual , and so was I ; and we set forth at five o'clock , I at least was happy as it was possible to be . Warm it was , yet ; we went slowly down the road , in shadow and sunshine ; tasting the pleasantness , it seems to me , of every tree , and feeling the sweetness of each breath ; in that slight exhilaration of spirits which loses nothing and forgets nothing . At least I have a good memory for such times . There was a little excitement , no doubt , about going this walk with a cadet and a stranger , which helped the whole effect .