Ten minutes past seven
We have so much to tell you . '' Dinner was a merry meal . Mr. Southard , who in the meantime had come in from the theatre , became so absorbed in the conversation of his young guests that both he and his sister forgot the time . The entrance into the dining room of James , his valet , with his hat and coat , and the warning words , `` Ten minutes past seven , sir , '' caused him to spring from his chair , glance at his watch with a rueful smile , and hurry out to where his car stood waiting for him . `` It 's nice to be an idol of the public , but it 's hard on the idol just the same , '' sighed Grace , as the door closed after him . `` Shall we see him again to-night ? '' `` You may stay up and wait for him if you wish , '' returned Miss Southard , `` but it will be after midnight .