midnight
Wherever she walked , fun and laughter followed at her heels . Grace was their inspiration to noble deeds ; Emma their spirit of good cheer . One and all they gathered about her and marshalled her to the veranda where a hilarious hour ensued , followed by a concerted invasion on the living-room , where they proceeded to entertain Mr. and Mrs. Briggs , who had tactfully declined to intrude upon the dinner party , with an evening of the old , familiar stunts with which they had so often lightened their student days at Overton College . It was well after midnight when , by common consent , the will to retire for the night claimed them . Knowing the deep regard that existed between Grace and Emma , Elfreda had arranged matters so that they might room together . Although Anne was Grace 's oldest friend , she had cheerfully resigned her claim on Grace to Emma for the week . `` Well , Gracious , how is everything ? ''