two o'clock
When we reached Mr. -- 's front door , the people had collected in such crowds in the hall , to get a little air , that it was fully ten minutes before we could get in . We had the benefit of a strong harsh breeze playing about our undefended necks and shoulders . As soon as we were fairly in , though , we were recompensed for our sufferings in this respect . We went from the arctic to the torrid zone ; it was like an August day at two o'clock . `` We tried to make our way to the lady of the house , but understood , after a long search , that she had been pushed by the crowd to the third story ; and being a very fat person , was seen , at the last accounts , seated in a rocking-chair , fanning herself violently , and calling in vain for ice-cream . After a while we reached the dancing-room , where , in a very confined circle , a number were waltzing and Polka-ing . As this is a forbidden dance to Alice and me , we had a fine opportunity of taking notes .