About half past nine
Delia glowed as she saw the admiring glances sent his way , but burned with anger when she also saw that he was to take in Lady Gravesend to dinner ; for Lady Gravesend had spoken slightingly of Gaston -- had , indeed , referred to his `` nigger blood ! '' And now her mother had sent her in to dinner on his arm , she affable , too affable by a great deal . Had she heard the dry and subtle suggestion of Gaston 's talk , she would , however , have justified her mother . About half past nine Delia was in the doorway , talking to one of the guests , who , at the call of some one else , suddenly left her . She heard a voice behind her . `` Will you not sing ? '' She thrilled , and turned to say : `` What shall I sing , Mr. Belward ? ''