half after two
They stopped at length at the edge of a sandy beach . Crystal parked her car neatly with a sharp turn of the wheel , and got out . `` There 's a tea basket , '' she called over her shoulder . Ben 's heart bounded at the news -- not that he was hungry , but as the hour was now but little past half after two a tea basket indicated a prolonged interview . He found it tucked away in the back of the car , and followed her . They sat down at the edge of the foam . He lit a pipe , clasped his hands about his knees and stared out to sea ; she curled her feet backward , grasped an ankle in her hand , and , looking at him , said : `` Now what makes you groan so ? ''