about
ten o'clock
Laurens , who of course was an apprentice to a printer , and usually came home about seven o'clock in the evening , was big enough to be present with the guests , but must promise to sit still and drink only two glasses . The big girls were to be present as a matter of course : They had been confirmed . Stoffel presided . His business was to meet the gentlemen when they came for the ladies about ten o'clock , and entertain the company with stories of Mungo Park . Leentje was to remain till the people were all there , as it was so inconvenient to have to open the door every time . She could make herself useful in arranging the table and doing other things incident to such occasions . But she `` must move about a little brisker , '' otherwise they would prefer to do everything themselves .