Six o'clock
I have every confidence in you . I do believe that you love your Saviour , and loving Him , I feel sure that you will not knowingly enter into any very intimate acquaintance with any one who has not the same hope ; without which hope , my precious child , there may be much amiability and attractiveness , but can be no solid and abiding happiness or peace . '' Mary 's reply is a child 's earnest embrace and a whispered assurance of unchanging love to her mother , and trust in her judgment . Six o'clock . -- Both drawing-rooms at `` The Firs '' were thrown into one , and brilliantly lighted up . Mysterious sounds in the dining-room below told of preparations for that part of the evening 's proceedings , by no means the least gratifying to the members of a juvenile party . Friends began to assemble : young boys and girls in shoals , the former dazzling in neckties and pins , the latter in brooches and earrings : with a sprinkling of seniors .