nearly nine o'clock
I should be compelled to attend in field uniform , yet circumstances would excuse that , and what little I had seen of her convinced me she was no stickler for conventionality . The duty soldier was more apt to interest such a personality than any dandy on dress parade . With a word I dismissed my companion , and turned in to the camp of the Yagers , sure of a welcome at their mess-table , and a chance to brush up my soiled clothes . It must have been nearly nine o'clock when , in company with a young cornet , I rode up to the house given up to festivities , and , turning over our horses to the care of cavalry grooms , climbed the wide steps to the door leading into the hall . Interested as I was in observing faces , fearful of possible discovery by some one in the crowd , I failed to note definitely the many decorations , yet I remember how the wide hall was hung in green and white , each room opening from it possessing a distinct color scheme , and how , under the gleaming clusters of lights , and sparkling of glass chandeliers , the gay uniforms of the officers and the brilliant gowns of the ladies appeared resplendent . The vista of those great rooms , reflected by numerous mirrors , was a scene of confusing beauty , with flowers everywhere , soft , glowing carpets underfoot , and the surging crowds passing back and forth . There was scarcely a black coat present , to yield touch of sombreness to the picture , but scarlet and blue , green and white , glowing with profusion of gold lace , and glittering with medals , together with gleaming shoulders , ruffles of white lace , and shimmering skirts of silk .