nine
o'clock
The long table , simply set , was ornamented only by low bowls of the lovely San Rafael roses . Guided and stimulated by the hostess , the conversation ran in a gay , unbroken stream , for the painter liked to talk , and Santa Paloma enjoyed him . But under it all the women guests were aware of an almost resentful amazement at the simplicity of the dinner . When , after nine o'clock , the ladies went into the drawing-room and settled about a snapping wood fire , Mrs. Lloyd could not resist whispering to Mrs. Apostleman , `` For a COMPANY dinner ! '' Mrs. Adams was entirely absorbed in deciding just what position she would take when Mrs. White alluded to the affair the next day ; but Mrs. White had come primed for special business this evening , and she took immediate advantage of the absence of the men to speak to Mrs. Burgoyne . `` As president of our little club , '' said she , when they were all seated , `` I am authorized to ask you if I may put your name up for membership , Mrs. Burgoyne . We are all members here , and in this quiet place our meetings are a real pleasure , and I hope an education as well . ''