two o'clock P.M.
They were at every ball , and gave one or two themselves . Above all , they enjoyed society in that delightful form which is confined to large houses . They would have numerous and well-assorted visitors staying at the house for a week or so , and all dining at a huge round table . But two o'clock P.M. was the time to see how hosts and guests enjoyed themselves . The hall door of Huntercombe was approached by a flight of stone steps , easy of ascent , and about twenty-four feet wide . At the riding hour the county ladies used to come , one after another , holding up their riding-habits with one hand , and perch about this gigantic flight of steps like peacocks , and chatter like jays , while the servants walked their horses about the gravel esplanade , and the four-in-hand waited a little in the rear . A fine champing of bits and fidgeting of thoroughbreds there was , till all were ready ; then the ladies would each put out her little foot , with charming nonchalance , to the nearest gentleman or groom , with a slight preference for the grooms , who were more practiced .