seven o'clock in the
evening
`` In the autumn , we set out for the north , and were met on the road by the duke and twenty gentlemen , who conducted us to H -- n , where we lived in all imaginable splendour . His grace , at that time , maintained above a hundred servants , with a band of music , which always performed at dinner , kept open table , and was visited by a great deal of company . The economy of his house was superintended by his eldest sister , a beautiful young lady of an amiable temper , with whom I soon contracted an intimate friendship . She and the duke used to rally me upon my fondness for Lord W -- , who was a sort of humourist , and apt to be in a pet , in which case he would leave the company and go to bed by seven o'clock in the evening . On these occasions , I always disappeared , giving up every consideration to that of pleasing my husband , notwithstanding the ridicule of his relations , who taxed me with having spoiled him with too much indulgence . But how could I express too much tenderness and condescension for a man , who doted upon me to such excess , that , when business obliged him to leave me , he always snatched the first opportunity to return , and often rode through darkness , storms , and tempests to my arms ? `` Having stayed about seven months in this place , I found myself in a fair way of being a mother , and that I might be near my own relations in such an interesting situation , I and my dear companion departed from H -- n , not without great reluctance ; for I was fond of the Scots in general , who treated me with great hospitality and respect ; and to this day , they paid me the compliment of saying , I was one of the best wives in that country which is so justly celebrated for good women .