midday
It was about noon , when dowager lady Chia returned to her apartments for her siesta ; and madame Wang , who was habitually partial to a quiet life , also took her departure after she had seen the old lady retire . Lady Feng subsequently took the seat of honour ; and the party enjoyed themselves immensely till the evening , when they broke up . But to return to Pao-yü . Having accompanied his grandmother Chia back home , and waited till her ladyship was in her midday sleep , he had in fact an inclination to return to the performance , but he was afraid lest he should be a burden to Mrs. Ch ` in and the rest and lest they should not feel at ease . Remembering therefore that Pao Ch ` ai had been at home unwell for the last few days , and that he had not been to see her , he was anxious to go and look her up , but he dreaded that if he went by the side gate , at the back of the drawing-room , he would be prevented by something or other , and fearing , what would be making matters worse , lest he should come across his father , he consequently thought it better to go on his way by a detour . The nurses and waiting-maids thereupon came to help him to change his clothes ; but they saw him not change , but go out again by the second door . These nurses and maids could not help following him out ; but they were still under the impression that he was going over to the other mansion to see the theatricals .