Then will you have several hours again at your disposal, till two
o'clock, when I shall like to sit down at table.
You will then have several useful hours more to employ yourself in, as
you shall best like; and I would generally go to supper by eight; and
when we are resolved to stick to these oldfashioned rules, as near as we
can, we shall have our visitors conform to them too, and expect them from
us, and suit themselves accordingly: For I have always observed, that it
is in every one's power to prescribe rules to himself. It is only
standing a few ridiculous jests at first, and that too from such,
generally, as are not the most worthy to be minded; and, after a while,
they will say, It signifies nothing to ask him: he will have his own way.
There is no putting him out of his bias. He is a regular piece of clock-
work, they will joke, and all that: And why, my dear, should we not be
so? For man is as frail a piece of machinery as any clock-work whatever;
and, by irregularity, is as subject to be disordered.
Then, my dear, continued the charming man, when they see they are
received, at my own times, with an open countenance and cheerful heart;
when they see plenty and variety at my board, and meet a kind and hearty
welcome from us both; they will not offer to break in upon my conditions,
nor grudge me my regular hours: And as most of these people have nothing
to do, except to rise in a morning, they may as well come to breakfast
with us at half an hour after eight, in summer, as at ten or eleven; to
dinner at two, as at four, five, or six; and to supper at eight, as at
ten or eleven.
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