Nine o'clock
Evening came , and found Sibyl seated on the piazza looking like a lily in her white draperies . Tom and Gem were in the parlor , in their best attire , trying to look grown-up and dignified ; Tom 's collar was especially imposing . The guests assembled slowly ; Hugh received their folded papers as they entered , and placed them in a covered basket . Nine o'clock struck , and the merry party seated themselves in the parlor , Sibyl by the side of Graham Marr , and Rose Saxon on the opposite side of the room with Mr. Leslie . When they were all in place , the door opened and Hugh appeared , carrying the basket . His entrance was greeted with applause ; an arm-chair by the table , and a shaded light were ready , and , with much solemnity , the reader took his seat . Placing the basket on the floor before him , he coughed , unfolded a pocket-handkerchief , and laid it on the table at his elbow , brought out a box of troches and placed them in position by the handkerchief , gravely asked for a glass of water , which was also ranged in order , and then , putting on a pair of green spectacles , bowed to the company and began his preliminary speech : -- `` Ladies and gentlemen ; the humble individual who now addresses you asks in advance for your kind sympathy for his present embarrassing position .