ten until two
Occasionally , and once during Isabel 's visit , she invited some friends of her husband , who never went to parties , and often entertained when his wife was elsewhere ; but these men did as much talking as listening , and that was no part of Mrs. Hofer 's system . Isabel had flashing vistas of small groups of men and women , distinguished socially as well as mentally , that entertained each other , or met at a new club through which Mrs. Hofer whisked her one night , -- a club where the best of Bohemia met the more intellectual members of society ; and she knew that in these groups she might find also the higher class business and professional men , and a few of leisure that enjoyed life without either dancing or drinking . But Mrs. Hofer , although far too well satisfied with life and herself to be a snob , loved brilliancy , splendor , constant excitement , dancing , chatter ; and only her chosen set could provide the banquet . She could dance every night from ten until two , and awaken in mid-morning as fresh as a rose . She had the wardrobe of the storied princess , and her guests and friends must contribute their share to the brilliancy of all gatherings . She detested shabbiness ; it was the only thing that depressed her spirits . Proud as she was of her husband , his aims , and his position in the community , his friends and their themes frankly bored her .