eight in the evening
You have given me good counsel , and I take it in good part . As you have voluntarily quitted your seat , I will take your place with the leave of the good company , and think myself happy to be hailed , Father of the Feast . ' He was forthwith elected into the chair , and complimented in a bumper in his new character . The claret continued to circulate without interruption , till the glasses seemed to dance upon the table , and this , perhaps , was a hint to the ladies to call for music -- At eight in the evening the ball began in another apartment : at midnight we went to supper ; but it was broad day before I found the way to my lodgings ; and , no doubt , his Lordship had a swinging bill to discharge . In short , I have lived so riotously for some weeks , that my uncle begins to be alarmed on the score of my constitution , and very seriously observes , ` that all his own infirmities are owing to such excesses indulged in his youth -- Mrs Tabitha says it would be more to the advantage of my soul as well as body , if , instead of frequenting these scenes of debauchery , I would accompany Mr Moffat and her to hear a sermon of the reverend Mr M'Corkindale . -- Clinker often exhorts me , with a groan , to take care of my precious health ; and even Archy M'Alpine , when he happens to be overtaken -LRB- which is oftener the case than I could wish -RRB- , reads me a long lecture upon temperance and sobriety ; and is so very wise and sententious , that , if I could provide him with a professor 's chair , I would willingly give up the benefit of his amonitions and service together ; for I was tutor-sick at alma mater . I am not , however , so much engrossed by the gaieties of Edinburgh , but that I find time to make parties in the family way .