about six o’clock in
the evening
On such occasions she afforded CHERE EXQUISE ; and every now and then there was some dish of French , or even Scottish derivation , which , as well as the numerous assortment of VINS EXTRAORDINAIRES produced by Mr. Beauffet , gave a sort of antique and foreign air to the entertainment , which rendered it more interesting . It was a great thing to be asked to such parties ; and not less so to be invited to the early CONVERSAZIONE , which , in spite of fashion , by dint of the best coffee , the finest tea , and CHASSE CAFE that would have called the dead to life , she contrived now and then to assemble in her saloon already mentioned , at the unnatural hour of eight in the evening . At such time the cheerful old lady seemed to enjoy herself so much in the happiness of her guests that they exerted themselves in turn to prolong her amusement and their own ; and a certain charm was excited around , seldom to be met with in parties of pleasure , and which was founded on the general desire of every one present to contribute something to the common amusement . But although it was a great privilege to be admitted to wait on my excellent friend in the morning , or be invited to her dinner or evening parties , I prized still higher the right which I had acquired , by old acquaintance , of visiting Baliol 's Lodging upon the chance of finding its venerable inhabitant preparing for tea , just about six o'clock in the evening . It was only to two or three old friends that she permitted this freedom ; nor was this sort of chance-party ever allowed to extend itself beyond five in number . The answer to those who came later announced that the company was filled up for the evening , which had the double effect of making those who waited on Mrs. Bethune Baliol in this unceremonious manner punctual in observing her hour , and of adding the zest of a little difficulty to the enjoyment of the party . It more frequently happened that only one or two persons partook of this refreshment on the same evening ; or , supposing the case of a single gentleman , Mrs. Martha , though she did not hesitate to admit him to her boudoir , after the privilege of the French and the old Scottish school , took care , as she used to say , to prescribe all possible propriety , by commanding the attendance of her principal female attendant , Mrs. Alice Lambskin , who might , from the gravity and dignity of her appearance , have sufficed to matronize a whole boarding-school , instead of one maiden lady of eighty and upwards .