four o'clock
Meantime , when the sun had moved off the great open space in front of the house , the games began . There were , of course , well-soaped poles to be climbed by the boys and youths , races to be run by the old women , races to be run in sacks , heavy weights to be lifted by the strong men , and a long list of challenges to such ambitious attempts as that of walking as many yards possible on one leg -- feats in which it was generally remarked that Wiry Ben , being `` the lissom ` st , springest fellow i ' the country , '' was sure to be pre-eminent . To crown all , there was to be a donkey-race -- that sublimest of all races , conducted on the grand socialistic idea of everybody encouraging everybody else 's donkey , and the sorriest donkey winning . And soon after four o'clock , splendid old Mrs. Irwine , in her damask satin and jewels and black lace , was led out by Arthur , followed by the whole family party , to her raised seat under the striped marquee , where she was to give out the prizes to the victors . Staid , formal Miss Lydia had requested to resign that queenly office to the royal old lady , and Arthur was pleased with this opportunity of gratifying his godmother 's taste for stateliness . Old Mr. Donnithorne , the delicately clean , finely scented , withered old man , led out Miss Irwine , with his air of punctilious , acid politeness ; Mr. Gawaine brought Miss Lydia , looking neutral and stiff in an elegant peach-blossom silk ; and Mr. Irwine came last with his pale sister Anne . No other friend of the family , besides Mr. Gawaine , was invited to-day ; there was to be a grand dinner for the neighbouring gentry on the morrow , but to-day all the forces were required for the entertainment of the tenants .