about four o’clock
in the afternoon
There was no doing it on this day . Carey was always surrounded by children and guests , and in an eager state of activity ; but though again they all went home in the cool of the evening , an attempt to sing in the second-class carriage , which they filled entirely , was quashed immediately -- no one knew how , and nothing worse happened than that a very dusty set , carrying odd botanical , entomological , and artistic wares , trailed through the streets of Kenminster , just as Mrs. Coffinkey , escorted by her maid , was walking primly home from drinking tea at the vicarage . Still Mary 's reflections only strengthened her resolution . On the next day , which was Sunday , she ascended to the Folly , at about four o'clock in the afternoon , and found the family , including the parrot , spread out upon the lawn under the shade of the acacia , the mother reading to them . `` Oh , please do n't stop , mother , '' cried Babie ; while the more courteous Armine exclaimed -- `` Miss Ogilvie , do n't you like to hear about Bevis and Jocelin Joliffe ? '' `` You do n't mind waiting while we finish the chapter , '' added their mother ; `` then we break up our sitting . '' `` Pray go on with the chapter , '' said Mary , rather coolly , for she was a good deal taken aback at finding them reading `` Woodstock '' on a Sunday ; `` but afterwards , I do want to speak to you . ''