nine o'clock
The three professional fiddlers of the village were elevated on a table at one end of the hall , and everybody pronounced it the very model of an orchestra . The candles were tastefully arranged and regularly snuffed . The floor was admirably chalked by a travelling sign-painter , engaged for the purpose ; and the refreshments in an adjoining room , consisting of negus , apples , oranges , cold roast-beef , and biscuits , were under the immediate superintendence of our very excellent friend , Mr. Gilbert Cherryripe . At nine o'clock , which was considered a fashionable hour , the hall was nearly full , and the first country dance was commenced by the eldest son and presumptive heir of old Squire Thoroughbred , who conducted gracefully through its mazes the chosen divinity of his heart , Miss Wilhelmina Bouncer , only daughter of Tobias Bouncer , Esq. , Justice of Peace in the county of Shropshire . Enjoyment was at its height , and the three professional fiddlers had put a spirit of life into all things , when suddenly one might perceive that the merriment was for a moment checked , whilst a more than usual bustle pervaded the room . The stranger had entered it ; and there was something so different in his looks and manner from those of any of the other male creatures , that everybody surveyed him with renewed curiosity , which was at first slightly tinctured with awe . `` Who can he be ? ''