nine o'clock
inquired the hostess -- her Southern birth and her woman 's interest in the goings-on of the garrison manifesting themselves at one and the same time . `` Oh , about a dozen , all told , '' answered Mr. Hatton . `` Mrs. Bruce and Jeannie , Mrs. Forrest , Mrs. Post , the Gordon girls , Mrs. Wells , and finally Miss Forrest . The little parlor was packed like a ration-can by nine o'clock , and I was glad to slip away at first call . '' `` A likely statement in view of the fact that Jeannie Bruce was there . '' `` Fact , though ! '' answered Hatton , with a knowing look on his handsome face .