eight o'clock
Thick and fast they came at last , and more and more and more , all needing to be welcomed with appropriate words , conducted to seats , introduced , provided with tea . The poor hostess had no time to think of herself , and her worst moments began when all her guests had assembled , for then she must perforce watch for the moment when conversation became forced and fitful and promptly move the pawns about the board , introducing them to fresh pawns , lingering until conversation was safely afloat ! The members of the staff never deigned to help the poor struggling novice in the art of entertainment ; it was darkly suspected that they rather added to her difficulties by adopting haughty , reserved airs which called for greater displays of generalship . With what a sigh of relief was the striking of eight o'clock greeted by the harassed mistress of the ceremonies ! Dreda Saxon 's first experience as hostess arrived just about the middle of the term , and , unlike her companions , she was greatly elated at the prospect . No fears disturbed her night 's rest ; she received the half - sovereign for refreshments as gratefully as if _ it _ had been a fortune , and graciously `` allowed '' a few favoured friends to join the troupe of `` dramatic impersonators '' who were to provide the hour 's amusement . Everyone wanted to be a dramatic impersonator .