nine o'clock
Anabel Colton , Dolly Boutts , and Serena Wheaton , after half a day 's telephoning , decided to `` wear their necks , '' and their hostess agreed to keep them in countenance . Every team in Rosewater was bespoken for the distinguished occasion , and the reports of the weather bureau were consulted daily . But the rains held off and the night of the party was brilliant with starlight , and not too cold . Gwynne , who had no intention of receiving with Isabel , and learning from Colton that everybody would have arrived before nine o'clock , did not make his appearance until ten . He found the big room full of young and elderly people , even the latter chattering with an extraordinary animation , induced no doubt by the surprises that had greeted them ; they had forgotten the existence of the old bar-room . From the dancers Gwynne received a general impression of pink cheeks , fluffy hair , delicate features , gay simple gowns , the usual lack of background ; a curious transientness , as if they had been born for the night like summer moths . The men for the most part made a good appearance , the more favored looking college-bred and irreproachable .