About five o'clock in the afternoon
`` This task being performed , the bridegroom gave me to understand , that there was a necessity for our being bedded immediately , in order to render the marriage binding , lest my father should discover and part us before consummation . I pleaded hard for a respite till the evening , objecting to the indecency of going to bed before noon ; but he found means to invalidate all my arguments , and to convince me that it was now my duty to obey . Rather than hazard the imputation of being obstinate and refractory on the first day of my probation , I suffered myself to be led into a chamber , which was darkened by my express stipulation , that my shame and confusion might be the better concealed , and yielded to the privilege of a dear husband , who loved me to adoration . `` About five o'clock in the afternoon we were called to dinner , which we had ordered to be ready at four ; but such a paltry care had been forgot amidst the transports of our mutual bliss . We got up , however , and when we came downstairs , I was ashamed to see the light of day , or meet the eyes of my beloved lord . I ate little , said less , was happy , though overwhelmed with confusion , underwent a thousand agitations , some of which were painful , but by far the greater part belonged to rapture and delight ; we were imparadised in the gratification of our mutual wishes , and felt all that love can bestow , and sensibility enjoy . `` In the twilight we returned to Lord W -- 's lodgings in town , where I received a letter from my father , importing that he would never see me again .