about five o'clock
she inquired , slightly reddening . He good-naturedly tapped her shoulder with his whip , laughed , urged his horse into a canter , and they were all soon on their way to General Grim 's , an old friend of the late Mr. Aubrey 's . The party assembled on New-Year 's Eve at Fotheringham Castle , the magnificent residence of Lord De la Zouch , was numerous and brilliant . The Aubreys arrived about five o'clock ; and on emerging from their respective apartments into the drawing-room , soon after the welcome sound of the dinner bell -- Mr. Aubrey leading in his lovely wife , followed shortly afterwards by his beautiful sister -- they attracted general attention . He himself looked handsome , for the brisk country air had brought out a glow upon his too frequently pallid countenance -- pallid with the unwholesome atmosphere , the late hours , the wasting excitement of the House of Commons ; and his smile was cheerful , his eye bright and penetrating . Nothing makes such quick triumphant way in English society , as the promise of speedy political distinction . It will supply to its happy possessor the want of family and fortune -- it rapidly melts away all distinctions .