six o'clock
A group of ladies , FitzHerberts and Fentons , entered , so soon as the priest gave the signal by tapping on the parlour wall , bearing all things necessary for the altar ; and it was astonishing what fine things these were ; so that by the time that the priest was ready to vest , the place was transformed . Stuffs and embroideries hung upon the wall about the altar , making it seem , indeed , a sanctuary ; two tall silver candlesticks , used for no other purpose , stood upon the linen cloths , under which rested the slate altar-stone , taken , with the sacred vessels and the vestments , from one of the privy hiding-holes , with whose secret not a living being without the house , and not more than two or three within , was acquainted . It was rumored that half a dozen such places had been contrived within the precincts , two of which were great enough to hold two or three men at a pinch . * * * * * Soon after six o'clock , then , the altar was ready and the priest stood vested . He retired a pace from the altar , signed himself with the cross , and with Mr. John FitzHerbert and his son Thomas on either side of him , began the preparation ... . It was a strange and an inspiriting sight that the young priest -LRB- for it was Mr. Simpson who was saying the mass -RRB- looked upon as he turned round after the gospel to make his little sermon . From end to end the tiny chapel was full , packed so that few could kneel and none sit down .