about three o'clock in the afternoon
he said . They told him , there was a young creature there , belike who was , or was to be , his mistress , or somewhat of that nature ; but had been his mother 's waiting-maid . This , he said , grieved his heart , and confirmed his fears . So he went on , and about three o'clock in the afternoon came to the gate ; and , ringing there , Sir Simon 's coachman went to the iron gate ; and he asked for the housekeeper ; though , from what I had written , in his heart he could not abide her . She sent for him in , little thinking who he was , and asked him , in the little hall , what his business with her was ? -- Only , madam , said he , whether I can not speak one word with the ` squire ? No , friend , said she ; he is engaged with several gentlemen and ladies .