nine o'clock
The graceful folds of an Indian muslin dress enveloped her slight form , and a wreath of lilies of the valley , twined with the smallest pink rose-buds , confined her luxuriant hair ; a scarcely perceptible blush was on her cheeks , and her eyes , continually wandering round the room , as if in search for some unseen object , shone with unusual brilliancy . Her father whispered , as he found himself near her -- `` I do not expect my friend will arrive till late , my little Emmy , but look as pretty then as you do now , and I shall be satisfied . '' She was relieved , but intelligence met her ear , ere dinner was concluded , that rendered it a fearful struggle to retain her composure . Mrs. Cameron 's family , Mr. Howard , and one or two others , she knew were coming in the evening , but that Lord St. Eval expected his brother Louis to arrive at Oakwood by eight or nine o'clock that same evening , was indeed information startling in the extreme . Would he not be accompanied by his preceptor ? Would she not see him , from whom she had so long been parted ? see him , to whom her heart was given , and in his presence be introduced to the husband of her parents ' choice ?