About seven o'clock
When I appeared , she started up with an alarmed look , and sprang to the other side of the room to avoid me , whom , without doubt , she mistook for a beagle thirsting after her life . Perceiving her extreme confusion , I retired , and on the staircase met the adorable Narcissa coming up , to whom I imparted the situation of my mistress ; she said not a word , but smiling with unspeakable grace , went into her aunt 's apartment , and in a little time my ears were ravished with the efforts of her skill . She accompanied the instrument with a voice so sweet and melodious , that I did not wonder at the surprising change it produced on the spirits of my mistress which composed to peace and sober reflection . About seven o'clock , the hunters arrived with the skins of two foxes and one badger , carried before them as trophies of their success ; and when they were about to sit down to dinner -LRB- or supper -RRB- Sir Timothy Thicket desired that Narcissa would honour the table with her presence ; but this request , notwithstanding her brother 's threats and entreaties , she refused , on pretence of attending her aunt , who was indisposed ; so I enjoyed the satisfaction of seeing my rival mortified : but this disappointment made no great impression on him , who consoled himself with the bottle , of which the whole company became so enamoured that , after a most horrid uproar of laughing , singing , swearing , and fighting , they were all carried to bed in a state of utter oblivion . My duty being altogether detached from the squire and his family , I led a pretty easy and comfortable life , drinking daily intoxicating draughts of love from the charms of Narcissa , which brightened on my contemplation every day more and more . Inglorious as my station was , I became blind to my own unworthiness , and even conceived hopes of one day enjoying this amiable creature , whose , affability greatly encouraged these presumptuous thoughts . My mistress is surprised at my learning -- communicates her performances to me -- I impart some of mine to her -- am mortified at her faint praise -- Narcissa approves of my conduct -- I gain an involuntary conquest over the cookwench and dairymaid -- their mutual resentment and insinuations -- the jealousy of their lovers During this season of love and tranquillity , my muse , which had lain dormant so long , awoke , and produced several small performances on the subject of my flame .