eight o'clock
Yet never was commiseration for the shepherd more misplaced . For that cheerful rustic was entertaining a large party in glorification of the christening of his second girl . The guests had arrived before the rain began to fall , and they were all now assembled in the chief or living room of the dwelling . A glance into the apartment at eight o'clock on this eventful evening would have resulted in the opinion that it was as cosy and comfortable a nook as could be wished for in boisterous weather . The calling of its inhabitant was proclaimed by a number of highly-polished sheep-crooks without stems that were hung ornamentally over the fireplace , the curl of each shining crook varying from the antiquated type engraved in the patriarchal pictures of old family Bibles to the most approved fashion of the last local sheep-fair . The room was lighted by half-a-dozen candles , having wicks only a trifle smaller than the grease which enveloped them , in candlesticks that were never used but at high-days , holy-days , and family feasts . The lights were scattered about the room , two of them standing on the chimney-piece .