about nine at night
And so for the sad remnant of Whig gentles the town was made in all ways unbearable . There are times when the life sands seem to run slowly , and others when they flow swiftly , as during this bewildering week . All manner of things happened , mostly perplexing or sad , and none quite agreeable . On the 28th , coming in about nine at night , I saw that there were persons in the great front sitting-room , which overlooked Dock Creek . As I came into the light which fell through the open doorway , I stood unnoticed . The room was full of pipe smoke , and rum and Hollands were on the table , as was common in the days when Friends ' Meeting made a minute that Friends be vigilant to see that those who work in the harvest-fields have portions of rum . My father and my cousin sat on one side , opposite a short , stout man almost as swarthy as Arthur , and with very small piercing eyes , so dark as to seem black , which eyes never are .