seven o'clock
For Squire Tresawna -LRB- who pleaded an attack of gout as an excuse for not attending -RRB- had not only assured the committee of his personal sympathy , but at his own cost had engaged a speaker recommended by a political association -LRB- now turned non-political -RRB- in London . There was promise of oratory , and every Cornish audience loves oratory . In the Squire 's absence Farmer Best took the chair . Punctually at seven o'clock he mounted the platform , followed by the orator from London -LRB- a florid gentleman in a frock-coat and dingy white waistcoat -RRB- , the Vicar , Mr Hambly , Mr Pamphlett , Dr Mant , and Mr Rounsell . As they entered , Miss Rounsell , seated at the piano at the far end of the platform , struck the opening chords of `` God Save the King . '' It seemed to take the audience by surprise : but they shuffled to their feet and , after a few bars , sang the anthem very creditably . When they had settled themselves , Farmer Best opened the meeting .