six
o'clock
The features are small and feminine ; the eyes dark with long lashes ; the mouth singularly beautiful , with a dimple on either side , and parted now in a half-smile at some pleasant recollection , giving a glimpse of small teeth glistening as pearls . But the peculiar charm of her face is in an expression of serene happiness , that sort of happiness which seems as if it had never been interrupted by a sorrow , had never been troubled by a sin , -- that holy kind of happiness which belongs to innocence , the light reflected from a heart and conscience alike at peace . IT was a lovely summer evening for the Squire 's rural entertainment . Mr. Travers had some guests staying with him : they had dined early for the occasion , and were now grouped with their host a little before six o'clock on the lawn . The house was of irregular architecture , altered or added to at various periods from the reign of Elizabeth to that of Victoria : at one end , the oldest part , a gable with mullion windows ; at the other , the newest part , a flat-roofed wing , with modern sashes opening to the ground , the intermediate part much hidden by a veranda covered with creepers in full bloom . The lawn was a spacious table-land facing the west , and backed by a green and gentle hill , crowned with the ruins of an ancient priory . On one side of the lawn stretched a flower-garden and pleasure-ground , originally planned by Repton ; on the opposite angles of the sward were placed two large marquees , -- one for dancing , the other for supper .