About nine o'clock
It would have been early for a party in the city , but Glenwood people were sensible , and , beginning early , were able to close in good season . The house was a handsome one , and the rooms , tastefully furnished , were blazing with light , and already half full . Walter was quite at home in society , and advancing , greeted Hugh and his sister , by whom he was cordially received , and introduced to other members of the family . About nine o'clock dancing commenced . Walter did not think it out of place to ask the hand of Laura Longwood , being so intimate with her brother . She had just accepted his invitation to dance , when a dark-complexioned young man , dressed in the extreme of the fashion , and evidently possessing a very high opinion of his appearance and position , approached , and with a ceremonious bow said : `` Miss Longwood , may I have the pleasure of dancing with you ? '' `` Not this time , Mr. Murdock , '' answered the young lady .