four o'clock in the afternoon
Besides , she could not withstand the temptation of having all the dresses her heart desired -- dresses made of velvet , gauze and silk -- ball dresses , with open neck and short sleeves . And when Maslova imagined herself in a bright yellow silk dress , with velvet trimmings , decolette , she made her choice . From this day on Maslova began to lead a life to which hundreds of thousands of women are driven , and which , in nine cases out of ten , ends in painful disease , premature decrepitude and death . After a night 's orgies there would come a deep slumber till three or four o'clock in the afternoon ; then the weary rising from a dirty couch ; seltzer-water to remove the effect of excessive drinking , coffee . Then came the sauntering through the rooms in dressing-gown , looking through the windows ; the languid quarrels ; then the perfuming of her body and hair , the trying on of dresses , and the quarrels with the mistress which they occasioned ; contemplating herself in the mirror , rouging her face , darkening her eyebrows . Then came the sweet , rich food , the bright silk dress , the entry into the brightly lighted parlor , the arrival of the guests , music , dancing , confectionery , wine and cigarettes . Thus Maslova lived for seven years .