seven
o'clock
After much hesitation , he selected a coat and breeches of black velvet , a pearl-coloured vest , and cravat and ruffles of fine English bone lace . Yet when his toilet was completed , he was dissatisfied . He felt sure more splendid apparel set off his dark beauty to greater advantage ; and yet he was equally sure that more splendid apparel would not -- on this occasion -- be as suitable . Doubting and hoping , he reached the Van Ariens ' house soon after seven o'clock . It was not quite dark , and Jacob Van Ariens stood on the stoop , smoking his pipe and talking to a man who had the appearance of a workman ; and who was , in fact , the foreman of his business quarters in the Swamp . `` Good-evening , sir , '' said George with smiling politeness . `` Is Miss Van Ariens within ? ''