ten minutes
before eight
She also drew over her shoes a pair of heavy woollen stockings ; and thus arrayed , she ran down the stairway to the back yard . Flurrying to the stable , she led out `` Old Buck , '' Mr. Bays 's riding horse , and galloped forth in the dark , cold night for a twenty-six mile ride to Billy Little . Soon after Rita 's departure the guests began to assemble . At ten minutes before eight came Williams . Upon his arrival , Mrs. Bays insisted that Rita should be called , so she and Miss Tousy went to Rita 's door and knocked . The knock was repeated ; still no answer . Then Mrs. Bays determined to enter Rita 's room through Tom 's , -- and I will draw a veil over the scene of consternation , confusion , and rage that ensued .