seven o'clock
Lady Earle had engaged two fashionable ladies ' maids , had also ordered for each a wardrobe suitable to the daughters of Lord Earle . Mrs. Vyvian had two rooms near her charges . Knowing that some months might elapse before Ronald returned , Lady Helena settled upon a course of action . The young girls were to be kept in seclusion , and not to be introduced to the gay world , seeing only a few old friends of the family ; they were to continue to study for a few hours every morning , to drive or walk with Lady Earle after luncheon , to join her at the seven o'clock dinner , and to pass the evening in the drawing room . It was a new and delightful life . Beatrice reveled in the luxury and grandeur that surrounded her . She amused Lady Earle by her vivacious description of the quiet home at the Elms .