eight
o'clock
Electra , the wild-eyed , black-haired , damask-cheeked brunette , was dressed in a maize-colored silk , with black lace trimmings . Laura Lytton , the stout , wholesome , brown-haired and brown-eyed lassie , wore a blue _ barége _ trimmed , like Electra 's dress , with black lace . The room was brilliant with gas-light , and they were waiting for their friends and visitors . Dr. Jones had promised to return , and bring Alden with him , by eight o'clock at latest . And Mr. Lyle had promised to come and bring `` the Californian . '' The clock struck eight and with dramatic punctuality the bell rang . The next moment the little page of the establishment opened the drawing-room door and announced : `` Mr. Lyle and a gemman . ''