About nine o'clock
In this manner every one made her own conjecture , which she preferred to that of all the rest . Curiosity was wrought up to the highest pitch , and the uncertainty that prevailed upon the subject , rendered the affair still more interesting . The rooms were early filled with an uncommon number of spectators . About nine o'clock Mr. Prettyman entered , but instead of exerting himself with his usual vivacity , he retired to one corner of the room , and sat in a sheepish and melancholy posture . Not long after , sir William Twyford and lord Martin came in , arm in arm . The peer strutted immediately to the upper end of the room . Delia stood near him .