six o'clock
Dinner over , there was singing and dancing . Alwyn had engaged , and sent from Alnwick , a score of musicians . These were divided into five parties , stationed at some little distance apart , and round these the younger portion of the gathering soon grouped themselves ; while the elders listened to border lays sung by wandering minstrels . The days were shortening fast and , as many of those present had twenty miles to ride , by six o'clock the amusements came to an end , and the gathering scattered in all directions , delighted with the day 's proceedings ; which , although they would have been thought of but small account in the southern counties , were rare , indeed , in a district so thinly populated , and so frequently engaged in turmoil and strife . Except in the running match , Oswald had engaged in none of the contests , he being fully occupied in aiding his mother in welcoming the guests , and seeing to their comfort ; while his father , assisted by his friends , Hope , Gray , and Liddel , superintended the arrangements for the sports , and acted as judges . In the afternoon , Oswald and his cousins had joined heartily in the dances , and enjoyed the day to the full as much as their visitors . Gatherings of this kind were not uncommon .