six o'clock
-LRB- It could be ascertained by the Rule o ' Three . -RRB- That degree o ' happiness , whatever it is , was bestowed on me . In the course of the ensuing day , I received the following sweet billet by the postman , written by Lizzy 's own dear hand : -- `` Miss Barton presents her compliments to Mr. Smith , and will be happy of his company to tea , to-morrow evening , at six o'clock . '' Oh , hoo I noo langed for the `` to-morrow evenin at six o'clock ! '' And yet I trembled at its approach , wi ' an undefined , but overwhelmin feelin o ' mingled love and shame , and hope and fear . It was just what I may ca ' a delightfully painfu ' predicament . Regardless , however , o ' my feelins , the appointed hour cam round , and whan it did , it saw me dressed in my best , and , wi ' a flutterin heart , stan ` in at Lizzy 's faither 's door , wi ' the knocker in my hand .