five o’clock
In these latter cases the new-comer always ate the tart himself , with some more or less humorous commentary . At last he accosted Prince Florizel . `` Sir , '' said he , with a profound obeisance , proffering the tart at the same time between his thumb and forefinger , `` will you so far honour an entire stranger ? I can answer for the quality of the pastry , having eaten two dozen and three of them myself since five o'clock . '' `` I am in the habit , '' replied the Prince , `` of looking not so much to the nature of a gift as to the spirit in which it is offered . '' `` The spirit , sir , '' returned the young man , with another bow , `` is one of mockery . '' `` Mockery ? ''