about eight o'clock in the evening
`` If , like children , '' says Edmund Burke , `` we will cry for the moon , why , like children , we must -- _ cry on _ . '' Whether this was not something like the position of Mr. Tittlebat Titmouse , in his passion for CATHERINE AUBREY , the reader can judge . He had unbosomed himself in the matter to his confidential adviser , Mr. Snap ; who , having accomplished his errand , had the day before returned to town , very much against his will , leaving Titmouse behind , to bring about , by his own delicate and skilful management , an union between himself , as the future lord of Yatton , and the beautiful sister of its present occupant . Mr. Aubrey and Kate , some day or two after the strange occurrence narrated in the last chapter , were sitting together playing at chess , about eight o'clock in the evening ; Dr. Tatham and Mrs. Aubrey , junior , looking on with much interest ; old Mrs. Aubrey being engaged in writing . Mr. Aubrey was sadly an overmatch for poor Kate -- he being in fact a first-rate player ; and her soft white hand had been hovering over the three or four chessmen she had left , uncertain which of them to move , for nearly two minutes , her chin resting on the other hand , and her face wearing a very puzzled expression . `` Come , Kate , '' said every now and then her brother , with that calm victorious smile which at such a moment would have tried any but so sweet a temper as his sister 's . `` If _ I _ were you , Miss Aubrey , '' was perpetually exclaiming Dr. Tatham , knowing as much about the game the while as the little Blenheim spaniel lying asleep at Miss Aubrey 's feet .