twelve o’clock
The broken strings of the violins were immediately found to be mended . Sir Ulick opened the ball himself with Miss Annaly , after making as handsome an apology for his son as the case would admit -- an apology which was received by the young lady with the most graceful good-nature . She declined dancing more than one dance , and Sir Ulick sat down between her and Lady Annaly , exerting all his powers of humour to divert them , at the expense of his cousin , the King of the Black Islands , whose tedious ferry , or whose claret , or more likely whose whiskey-punch , he was sure , had been the cause of Marcus 's misdemeanour . It was now near twelve o'clock . Lady O'Shane , who had made many aggravating reflections upon the disrespectful conduct of the young gentlemen , grew restless on another _ count _ . The gates were left open for them -- the gates ought to be locked ! There were disturbances in the country .