two o'clock
The yacht lay moored to the quay on which by Saltash 's orders a long strip of red carpet had been laid leading to the gangway which was decorated with trails of flowers . The day was glorious and cloudless , the sea of that intense blue that melts to the horizon without any dividing line -- like the blue of a smoked pearl . Saltash 's idea was to take his guests for a cruise across the bay after the ceremony , and he planned to complete the celebrations with a _ fête _ on the water at night . Everything was in readiness , and by two o'clock he was already receiving his guests . Maud and Jake stood with him , and little Eileen , very intent and serious , held Toby 's hand and looked on from the background . Captain Larpent was on the bridge , looking very forbidding , even contemptuous . He had never had any liking for the gay crowds with which it was Saltash 's pleasure to surround himself .