the hour of nine
He dined with his children and kinsmen , and strove to appear cheerful ; but a gloom was perceivable through his deportment . Sir Robert was reserved and respectful ; Mr. William was silent and attentive ; the rest of the family dutifully assiduous to my Lord ; only Wenlock and Markham were sullen and chagrined . The Baron detained the young men the whole afternoon ; he strove to amuse and to be amused ; he shewed the greatest affection and parental regard to his children , and endeavoured to conciliate their affections , and engage their gratitude by kindness . Wenlock and Markham felt their courage abate as the night approached ; At the hour of nine , old Joseph came to conduct them to the haunted apartment ; they took leave of their kinsmen , and went up stairs with heavy hearts . They found the chamber set in order for them , and a table spread with provision and good liquor to keep up their spirits . `` It seems , '' said Wenlock , `` that your friend Edmund was obliged to you for his accommodations here . '' `` Sir , '' said Joseph , `` his accommodations were bad enough the first night ; but , afterwards , they were bettered by my lord 's orders . ''