about three in
the afternoon
She was therefore not particularly anxious to spend an evening -- which began at an aggravatingly late hour instead of at a reasonable time , thanks to a social custom which has its foundation in nothing short of absolute insanity -- in the pursuit of nothing of greater value than dancing , stair talks , and conservatory confidences ; but Mrs. Willard soon persuaded her that she ought to go , and go she did . It was a beautiful night , that of the 22 _ d _ of July . Newport was at her best . The morning had been oppressively warm , but along about three in the afternoon a series of short and sharp electrical storms came , and as quickly went , cooling the heated city , and freshening up the air until it was as clear as crystal , and refreshing as a draught of cold spring-water . At the Howlett mansion on Bellevue Avenue all was in readiness for the event . The caterer 's wagons had arrived with their dainty contents , and had gone , and now the Hungarian band was sending forth over the cool night air those beautiful and weird waves of melody which entrance the most unwilling ear . About the broad and spacious grounds festooned lights hung from tree to tree ; here and there little rose-scented bowers for _ tête-à-tête _ talks were set ; from within , streaming through the windows in regal beauty , came the lights of the vast ballroom , the reception-rooms , and the beautifully designed dining-hall -- lately added by young Morris Black , the architect , to Mrs. Howlett 's already perfect house .