twenty minutes before eight o’clock
` A very singular young man that , ' said the powdered-headed footman , looking after Mr. Weller , with a countenance which clearly showed he could make nothing of him . Sam said nothing at all . He winked , shook his head , smiled , winked again ; and , with an expression of countenance which seemed to denote that he was greatly amused with something or other , walked merrily away . At precisely twenty minutes before eight o'clock that night , Angelo Cyrus Bantam , Esq. , the Master of the Ceremonies , emerged from his chariot at the door of the Assembly Rooms in the same wig , the same teeth , the same eye-glass , the same watch and seals , the same rings , the same shirt-pin , and the same cane . The only observable alterations in his appearance were , that he wore a brighter blue coat , with a white silk lining , black tights , black silk stockings , and pumps , and a white waistcoat , and was , if possible , just a thought more scented . Thus attired , the Master of the Ceremonies , in strict discharge of the important duties of his all-important office , planted himself in the room to receive the company . Bath being full , the company , and the sixpences for tea , poured in , in shoals .