about nine in the evening
Amelia , who had no suspicion that Mrs. James was really at home , and , as the phrase is , was denied , would have made a second visit the next morning , had she not been prevented by a cold which she herself now got , and which was attended with a slight fever . This confined her several days to her house , during which Booth officiated as her nurse , and never stirred from her . In all this time she heard not a word from Mrs. James , which gave her some uneasiness , but more astonishment . The tenth day , when she was perfectly recovered , about nine in the evening , when she and her husband were just going to supper , she heard a most violent thundering at the door , and presently after a rustling of silk upon her staircase ; at the same time a female voice cried out pretty loud , `` Bless me ! what , am I to climb up another pair of stairs ? '' upon which Amelia , who well knew the voice , presently ran to the door , and ushered in Mrs. James , most splendidly drest , who put on as formal a countenance , and made as formal a courtesie to her old friend , as if she had been her very distant acquaintance . Poor Amelia , who was going to rush into her friend 's arms , was struck motionless by this behaviour ; but re-collecting her spirits , as she had an excellent presence of mind , she presently understood what the lady meant , and resolved to treat her in her own way .