nearly eleven o'clock
There arose a dispute about a celebrated racer that Howel appeared to possess in London , and that was expected daily at Abertewey . Howel declared his intention of letting her run at the Carmarthen races . Captain Dancy , having heavy stakes on the mare , vowed it might disable her for the Derby , and words ran high ; but Mr Deep interposed , and changed the subject to that of _ rouge et noir _ . They sat over the dinner-table till nearly eleven o'clock , by which time they were all more or less exhilarated . Howel 's wines were good , his cellar was well stocked , and he was lavish of everything that might give him a reputation amongst the Welsh squires that surrounded him , many of whom still worshipped at the shrine of Bacchus . When they joined the ladies , Owen thought the conversation was rather too loud and boisterous . Captain Dancy alone was quite himself , and made Netta sing some little French songs to Owen 's great amusement .