about five o'clock in the afternoon
`` How tall you have grown since Christmas , '' exclaimed Thomas . `` Were you not tired of being in the hot city such weather as this ? '' Samuel said that he was ; and then they all entered the house , while the driver brought in Samuel 's baggage . It was about five o'clock in the afternoon when Samuel reached his uncle 's house . He was taken into a small parlor , which opened upon a garden where many flowers were in bloom . It was a warm day , but this room was cool and fragrant ; and on the table were several plates of fruit , and some cakes , which his uncle caused to be placed there , so that he might eat some as soon as he arrived , While Samuel was eating some of them John said : `` We are so glad you have come , Samuel . Last winter you could see nothing but snow . ''