midnight before
Even the boys had been so well remembered that they felt rather embarrassed when they compared their simple gifts to Marian with those she had given them . As for Mr. Henry Hammond , he had received a complete toilet set mounted in silver that was truly a magnificent affair , while Marian proudly exhibited a gold chain and locket set with small diamonds , which she had received from him . When the last package had been opened , Santa Claus removed his huge white beard , slipped out of his scarlet bath robe bordered with cotton and stood forth as Hippy Wingate ; while Father Time set his sickle carefully up in one corner , divested himself of his flowing beard and locks , took off David 's gray dressing gown and appeared as Tom Gray . It was long after midnight before the guests sought their rooms , their arms piled with gifts . `` Come into my room for an after-gathering , '' said Miriam to the girls , as they stood in a group at the head of the stairs . `` Wait until we deposit our spoils and get comfy , '' said Grace . Fifteen minutes later the Phi Sigma Taus , with the exception of Marian Barber , wrapped in kimonos , were monopolizing the floor space around the big open fireplace in Miriam 's room .