ten o'clock before
The morning dragged . It was dry and hot , with promise of a storm later . The men piled into the car , and went off for their golf . It was ten o'clock before Nina and Amy came chattering downstairs ; Royal was in the music room then , evoking a tangle of dim chords from the piano , smoking endless cigarettes . Presently Ward and his friend thundered down to join the girls at breakfast ; a maid circled the table with toast and covered dishes . Madame Carter 's breakfast had been sent upstairs , and Mrs. Tabor had joined her , for when the old lady sent a message to Harriet , the two women were together , in elaborate negligee , and a litter of Sunday papers was scattered about the beautiful bedroom . Upon Harriet 's entrance Mrs. Tabor gracefully rose to go , but she paused for a pleasant good-morning .