3:30 in the
afternoon
I know of nothing more exasperating to a hostess than to have her guests come to her home too early . It is bad enough to wait a meal for a belated guest , but to have some critical woman casually stroll in before one is dressed , or has put the final touches -- so dear to every housewifely heart -- on all the preparations , is simply maddening . I am no exception to the rule . As I heard the voices of Lillian Gale and her husband and I realized that they had arrived at 3:30 in the afternoon , when they had been invited for an evening chafing dish supper , I was both disheartened and angry . But , of course , there was but one thing to do , much as I hated to do it . I must go into the living room and cordially welcome these people . As I slipped off my kitchen apron I thought of the hypocrisy which marks most social intercourse .