eleven o'clock
`` I do n't exactly know , '' answered the individual addressed , shaking his head with a serio-comical expression ; `` but stifle me with the night-mar , if ever I 'm cotched riding a race with death on horseback agin . '' This allusion to the bony appearance of his companion , caused a roar of laughter at the expense of the winner , in which he good-humoredly joined . According to custom , as previously mentioned , the bottle was presented first to Isaac , and then passed in regular order through the lines -- Algernon and Ella merely putting it to their lips without drinking . When this ceremony was over , the party resumed their journey -- no less merry on account of the whiskey -- and by half an hour past eleven o'clock , all drew rein before the door of Abijah Wilson , the father of the fair intended . Here another party , the friends of the bride , were waiting to receive them ; and after some few introductions , much shaking of hands , and other demonstrations of joy , the announcement was made , that the squire was ready to perform the ceremony . Instantly all talking was suspended , the company proceeded to form into a half circle , and then all became silent and solemn as the house of death . Isaac presently appeared from behind a coarse , temporary screen of cloth , hung up for the occasion -- the house having no division save a chamber over head -- leading the blushing Peggy by the hand , -LRB- a rosy cheeked , buxom lass of eighteen -RRB- both looking as frightened and foolish as could reasonably be expected .