midnight
When , at last , the wiry , determined-looking `` bronco-buster '' sprang upon the company the somewhat abstruse direction : `` Lady round the gent , and the gent do n't go ; Lady round the lady , and the gent so - _ lo _ ! '' the `` gent '' in question became hopelessly bewildered , and stood stock still in the middle of the floor . By the time the set was disentangled , the dance seemed to be over , and the `` bronco-buster '' dismissed the dancers with the cynical prophecy , `` You 'll all get married on a _ stor-my day _ ! '' At this juncture , midnight being well passed , supper was announced . The kitchen door swung open , and the fragrant smell of the coffee took possession of the room , and floated out through the open window . As some one closed the window in his face , Lem followed the other loungers into the house . The men had all made a stampede for the kitchen ; the women sat on chairs and benches against the wall , some of them leaning their heads back wearily , while others fanned themselves and their neighbors with vigor , not relaxing for a moment the somewhat strained vivacity which they felt that the occasion demanded .