seven o'clock
At this date it was an imposing edifice -- or , rather , congeries of edifices -- as extensive as the residence of the Earl himself ; though far less regular . One wing showed extreme antiquity , having huge chimneys , whose substructures projected from the external walls like towers ; and a kitchen of vast dimensions , in which -LRB- it was said -RRB- breakfasts had been cooked for John of Gaunt . Whilst he was yet in the forecourt he could hear the rhythm of French horns and clarionets , the favourite instruments of those days at such entertainments . Entering the long parlour , in which the dance had just been opened by Lady Grebe with a minuet -- it being now seven o'clock , according to the tradition -- he was received with a welcome befitting his rank , and looked round for Barbara . She was not dancing , and seemed to be preoccupied -- almost , indeed , as though she had been waiting for him . Barbara at this time was a good and pretty girl , who never spoke ill of any one , and hated other pretty women the very least possible . She did not refuse him for the country-dance which followed , and soon after was his partner in a second .