a quarter past ten
I have an idea that if my dear Aunt knew all , she would have said that he rather exceeded his instructions ; but never mind , he took great care of me . The carriage came for us at ten o'clock , when , had I been at Gorse Bush , I should have been fast asleep on my perch , -- as Drinkwater says , for he loves to plague me about being a Linnet . My Cousin was beautifully attired ; he wore a most superb cravat , of a deep ruby colour , and an under-waistcoat of the brightest amber ; but , in fact , he always attracts admiration ; and I think , without vanity , that I looked extremely well in the new brown dress I took with me from home . At a quarter past ten we entered Lady Chaffinch 's ball-room , and , for a moment , I was perfectly bewildered ; indeed , Drinkwater had to apologise to our hostess for my strange behaviour by saying I was not quite well . However , her ladyship , whom I had often seen in the country , was very kind to me , led me to a seat , and began asking after her old friends . This soon brought me to my senses ; and after a little while I could bear to look at the dazzling chandeliers , the magnificent pier-glasses , and the splendidly-dressed people , without being giddy at the sight . Soon after our arrival , the band commenced playing , and some of the company arranged themselves for a dance .