one o'clock
No sooner had Father Finnerty received the colt , and pledged himself that Denny should have the place at Maynooth that was then vacant , than a tumultuous expression of delight burst from his family and relations , business was then thrown aside for the day ; the house was scoured and set in order , as if it were for a festival ; their best apparel was put on ; every eye was bright , every heart throbbed with a delightful impulse , whilst kindness and hilarity beamed from their faces . In a short time they all separated themselves among their neighbors to communicate the agreeable tidings ; and the latter , with an honest participation in their happiness , instantly laid aside their avocations , and flocked to Denis O'Shaughnessy 's , that they might congratulate him and his friends upon what was considered the completion of their hopes . When the day was more advanced , several of Denny 's brothers and sisters returned , and the house was nearly filled with their acquaintances and relations . Ere one o'clock had passed they wore all assembled , except old Denis , of whom , no person could give any intelligence . Talk , loud laughter , pure poteen , and good-humor , all circulated freely ? the friendly neighbor unshaved , and with his Sunday coat thrown hastily over his work-day apparel , drank to Denny 's health , and wished that he might `` bate all Maynewth out of the face ; an ' sure there 's no doubt of that , any how -- does n't myself remimber him puttin ' the explanations to Pasthorini before he was the bulk o ' my fist ? '' His brothers and sisters now adopted with enthusiasm the terms of respect which he had prescribed for them through his father ; he was Sirred and Misthered , and all but Reverenced , with a glow of affectionate triumph which they strove not to conceal .