nine o'clock in the evening
They had only caught a passing glimpse of the officers ' backs , but had already decided that there was not one handsome or interesting man among them ... . Having talked to their hearts ' content , they sent for the Military Commandant and the committee of the club , and instructed them at all costs to make arrangements for a dance . Their wishes were carried out . At nine o'clock in the evening the military band was playing in the street before the club , while in the club itself the officers were dancing with the ladies of K -- . The ladies felt as though they were on wings . Intoxicated by the dancing , the music , and the clank of spurs , they threw themselves heart and soul into making the acquaintance of their new partners , and quite forgot their old civilian friends . Their fathers and husbands , forced temporarily into the background , crowded round the meagre refreshment table in the entrance hall .