Four o'clock
But then , in the hot summer days , when the blinding dust whirls in clouds through our streets , when the eye , dazzled by the glare of white stucco , knows not where to rest , and the glowing roofs reflect their heat upon us to burning , the old soldier will sit in his arbor and perceive nothing but green leaves and flowers around him , and the breeze will come cool and fresh to him through these perfumed shades . His assiduous care will be rewarded at last . We must sow the seeds , and tend the growth , if we would enjoy the flower . Four o'clock . -- The clouds that have been gathering in the horizon for a long time are become darker ; it thunders loudly , and the rain pours down ! Those who are caught in it fly in every direction , some laughing and some crying . I always find particular amusement in these helter-skelters , caused by a sudden storm .