about five o'clock
in the afternoon
Titmouse quickly recovered his equanimity , but Gammon continued silent and thoughtful for many -- many miles ; and the reader would not be surprised at it , if he knew as well as I do the thoughts which the unexpected sight of that travelling-carriage of Mr. Aubrey had suggested to Mr. Gammon . As they approached the scene of triumph and rejoicing , and ascertained that they were within about a mile of the peaceful little village of Yatton , the travellers began to look out for indications of the kind which Mr. Gammon had mentioned to Titmouse , viz. a band and procession , and an attendant crowd . But however careful and extensive might have been the arrangements of those to whom that matter had been intrusted , they were likely to be sadly interfered with by a circumstance which , happening just then , might , to a weaker and more superstitious mind than that of Mr. Titmouse , have looked a little ominous -- namely , the occurrence of a tremendous thunder-storm . It was then about five o'clock in the afternoon . The whole day had been overcast , and the sky threatening ; and just as the two carriages came to that turning in the road which gave them the first glimpse of the Hall -- only , however , the tops of the great antique brick chimneys , which were visible above the surrounding trees -- a fearful , long-continued flash of lightning burst from the angry heavens , followed , after an interval of but a second or two , by a peal of thunder which sounded as if a park of artillery was being repeatedly discharged immediately overhead . `` Mind your horses ' heads , boys , '' called out Mr. Gammon ; `` keep a tight rein . '' Miss Quirk was dreadfully alarmed , and clung to her father ; Titmouse also seemed disconcerted , and looked to Gammon , who was perfectly calm , though his face was not free from anxiety .