five o'clock
in the afternoon
`` What , temperance ? '' snarled the other . `` Well , I hope so , '' Dr. Lavendar said , `` but not a teetotaler , if that 's what you mean . Only I do n't happen to want any whiskey at five o'clock in the afternoon . '' At which his host swore softly , and lifting the decanter poured out two good fingers . `` Mr. Wright , '' said Dr. Lavendar , `` I will be obliged if you will not swear in my presence . '' `` You need n't talk to me , '' cried Benjamin Wright , `` I despise this damned profanity there is about ; besides , I am always scrupulously particular in my language before females and parsons .