ten minutes to eight
It was made of a soft and clinging material , and was sufficiently open at the neck to show the rounded purity of the young girl 's throat , and short in the sleeves to exhibit the moldings of her arms . She was a beautifully made creature , and black suited her almost better than white . Her curiously pale face -- which never had color , and yet never showed the slightest indication of weak health -- was paler than usual to-night ; but her eyes were darker and brighter , and there was a determination about her which slightly altered the character of her expression . The twins came rushing in at ten minutes to eight . `` Oh , Bet , you are ready ! '' exclaimed Sylvia . `` You are going to become a real Speciality !