About ten o'clock
But his acquaintance with her being too slight to furnish him with the means of executing this expedient , he devised another , which was practised with all imaginable success . Understanding that her grandmother had left her a sum of money independent of her parents , he conveyed a letter to her mother , intimating , that her daughter , on pretence of going to the masquerade , intended to bestow herself in marriage to a certain person , and that in a few days she would be informed of the circumstances of the whole intrigue , provided she would keep this information secret , and contrive some excuse for detaining the young lady at home , without giving her cause to believe she was apprised of her intention . This billet , subscribed `` Your well-wisher , and unknown humble servant , '' had the desired effect upon the careful matron , who , on the ball day , feigned herself so extremely ill , that Miss could not with any decency quit her mamma 's apartment ; and therefore sent her apology to Emilia in the afternoon , immediately after the arrival of Peregrine , who pretended to be very much afflicted with the disappointment , while his heart throbbed with a transport of joy . About ten o'clock the lovers set out for the Haymarket , he being dressed in the habit of Pantaloon , and she in that of Columbine ; and they had scarce entered the house when the music struck up , the curtain was withdrawn , and the whole scene displayed at once , to the admiration of Emilia , whose expectation was infinitely surpassed by this exhibition . Our gallant having conducted her through all the different apartments , and described the economy of the place , led her into the circle , and , in their turn , they danced several minuets ; then going to the sideboard , he prevailed upon her to eat some sweetmeats and drink a glass of champagne . After a second review of the company , they engaged in country dances , at which exercise they continued until our adventurer concluded that his partner 's blood was sufficiently warm for the prosecution of his design . On this supposition , which was built upon her declaring that she was thirsty and fatigued , he persuaded her to take a little refreshment and repose ; and , for that purpose , handed her downstairs into the eating-room , where , having seated her on the floor , he presented her with a glass of wine and water ; and , as she complained of being faint , enriched the draught with some drops of a certain elixir , which he recommended as a most excellent restorative , though it was no other than a stimulating tincture , which he had treacherously provided for the occasion .