about eight in the
evening
I then got out of the chaise in good earnest ; and seeing a house about a quarter of a mile to the left hand , with a great deal to do I prevailed upon the postilion to turn up to it . The look of the house , and of every thing about it , as we drew nearer , soon reconciled me to the disaster . -- It was a little farm-house , surrounded with about twenty acres of vineyard , about as much corn ; -- and close to the house , on one side , was a _ potagerie _ of an acre and a half , full of everything which could make plenty in a French peasant 's house ; -- and , on the other side , was a little wood , which furnished wherewithal to dress it . It was about eight in the evening when I got to the house -- so I left the postilion to manage his point as he could ; -- and , for mine , I walked directly into the house . The family consisted of an old grey-headed man and his wife , with five or six sons and sons-in-law , and their several wives , and a joyous genealogy out of them . They were all sitting down together to their lentil-soup ; a large wheaten loaf was in the middle of the table ; and a flagon of wine at each end of it promised joy through the stages of the repast : -- ' twas a feast of love . The old man rose up to meet me , and with a respectful cordiality would have me sit down at the table ; my heart was set down the moment I enter 'd the room ; so I sat down at once like a son of the family ; and to invest myself in the character as speedily as I could , I instantly borrowed the old man 's knife , and taking up the loaf , cut myself a hearty luncheon ; and , as I did it , I saw a testimony in every eye , not only of an honest welcome , but of a welcome mix 'd with thanks that I had not seem 'd to doubt it .