nearly eight o'clock
I always helps her ladyship . '' Molly , quite aware of the fact that she had but her white muslin gown for the wedding besides that she had on , dismissed the good woman , and was thankful to be left to herself . `` Dinner '' was it called ? Why , it was nearly eight o'clock ; and preparations for bed seemed a more natural employment than dressing at this hour of night . All the dressing she could manage was the placing of a red damask rose or two in the band of her grey stuff gown , there being a great nosegay of choice autumnal flowers on the toilette-table . She did try the effect of another crimson rose in her black hair , just above her ear ; it was very pretty , but too coquettish , and so she put it back again . The dark-oak panels and wainscoting of the whole house seemed to glow in warm light ; there were so many fires in different rooms , in the hall , and even one on the landing of the staircase .