nine o'clock in the morning
The club-chest adorned with leaves and flowers was set in the middle of the table-cloth , and on it were set the brandy-bottles and glasses . John , who had studied antiquities for his play , _ Sinking Hellas _ , arranged the meal in the Greek style , so that they wore garlands , and ate reclining . A fire was lit between some stones and coffee was made . At nine o'clock in the morning they drank brandy and punch . John read his drama , _ The Free-thinker _ , which was duly criticised . Then they gave full course to their eloquence . Thurs was the best speaker ; he could express emotions and thoughts rhythmically .