about eleven at night
The straight boots in which the figures had been originally painted , and the other circumstances of attitude and drapery , so inconsistent with this monstrous furniture of the head , exhibited such a ludicrous appearance , that Pickle 's wonder , in a little time , gave way to his mirth , and he was seized with a violent fit of laughter , which had well-nigh deprived him of his breath . The squire , half-pleased and half-offended at this expression of ridicule , `` I know , '' said he , `` what makes you laugh so woefully ; you think it strange to zee my vorefathers booted and spurred , with huge three-tailed periwigs on their pates . The truth of the matter is this : I could not abide to zee the pictures of my vamily with a parcel of loose hair hanging about their eyes , like zo many colts ; and zo I employed a painter vellow from Lundon to clap decent periwigs upon their skulls , at the rate of vive shillings a head , and offered him three shillings a piece to furnish each with a handsome pair of shoes and stockings : but the rascal , thinking I must have 'em done at any price after their heads were covered , haggled with me for four shillings a picture ; and zo , rather than be imposed upon , I turned him off , and shall let 'em stand as they are , till zome more reasonable brother of the brush comes round the country . '' Pickle commended his resolution , though in his heart , he blessed himself from such a barbarous Goth ; and , after they had despatched two or three bottles of his beer , they proceeded on their journey , and arrived in town about eleven at night . He enjoys an interview with Emilia , and makes himself ample Amends for all the Mortifications of his Life . Godfrey , who had taken leave of his sister , on pretence of making a short excursion with Peregrine , whose health required the enjoyment of fresh air , after his long confinement , sent a message to her , that same night , announcing his arrival , and giving her notice that he would breakfast with her next morning ; when he and our hero , who had dressed himself for the purpose , taking a hackney-coach , repaired to her lodging , and were introduced into a parlour adjoining to that in which the tea-table was set . Here they had not waited many minutes when they heard the sound of feet coming downstairs ; upon which our hero 's heart began to beat the alarm .