seven o'clock
`` Then I 'll show you . The first thing is to be perfectly clean and get a shave ; put on the best clothes you have , and be sure they 're clean ; then you come at exactly seven o'clock , knowing that every one is going to be kind to you and you 're bound to have a good time . As to any other ` funny-do ' you watch me , and you 'll have no trouble . '' So when the seven o'clock assemblage came , and guests were ascending the steps of the governor 's mansion , there also mounted a tall , slim youth , an easy-pacing Indian , and a prick-eared , yellow dog . Young Van Cortlandt was near the door , on watch to save them any embarrassment . But what a swell he looked , cleanshaven , ruddy , tall , and handsome in the uniform of an American captain , surrounded by friends and immensely popular . How different it all was from that lonely cabin by the lake .