about ten o'clock
-- _ Rokeby _ . IT had been arranged between my mother and Oaklands , in the earlier part of the evening on which the events described in the last chapter took place , that Fanny should have her first ride on the day but one following , by which time it was supposed that the habit would be fit for service , and the young lady 's mind sufficiently familiarised with the idea , to overcome a rather -LRB- as I considered -RRB- unnecessary degree of alarm which I believe would have led her , had she been allowed to decide for herself , to relinquish it altogether . The only stipulation my mother insisted on was , that I should accompany my sister in the character of chaperon , an arrangement to which , as it was quite evident that Lawless intended to form one of the party , I made no objection . Accordingly , on the day appointed , Oaklands made his appearance about ten o'clock , mounted on his favourite horse , and attended by a groom , leading the grey Arab which was destined to carry Fanny , as well as a saddle-horse for me . `` Bravo , Harry ! it does one good to see you and the ` Cid ' together again , '' exclaimed I , patting the arched neck of the noble animal ; `` how well he is looking ! '' `` Is he not ? ''