ten o'clock
`` We are waiting for the arrival of the influential critic to set fire to the punch . '' At eight o'clock the whole of the guests had arrived , and the execution of the program commenced . Each item was alternated with a round of drink of some kind , no one ever knew what . Towards ten o'clock the white waistcoat of the influential critic made its appearance . He only stayed an hour , and was very sober in the consumption of refreshments . At midnight , as there was no more wood , and it was very cold , the guests who were seated drew lots as to who should cast his chair into the fire . By one o'clock every one was standing .