ten o'clock
Fortunately I knew nothing of the offence that was taken at the time , nor did I see any of my kinsmen but John Wallingford that evening ; his presence in my room being owing altogether to a certain self-possession and an _ à plomb _ that caused him to do very much as he pleased in such matters . I rose on the following morning at a late hour , and with a heaviness at the heart that was natural to the occasion . It was a lovely summer 's day ; but all in and around Clawbonny wore the air of a Sunday . The procession was to form at ten o'clock ; and , as I cast my eyes from my window , I could see the negroes moving about on the lawns , and in the lanes , attired in their best , but wearing no holiday faces . It seemed to me to be a species of unnatural Sabbath , possessing all its solemnity , its holy stillness , its breathing calm , but wanting in that solacing spirit of peace which is so apt to be imparted to the day of rest in the country , most particularly at that season of the year . Several of the neighbours , who did not belong to Clawbonny , were beginning to appear ; and I felt the necessity of dressing in order to be in readiness for what was to follow . I had eaten alone in my little study or library from the time my sister died , and had seen no one since my return to the house , the servants excepted , besides my guardian , Lucy , and John Wallingford .