the morning, noon
Mr. Germaine , at his own expense , mended some spots in the roads , which were obstacles to the delicacy of other travellers ; and when all this was accomplished , the haughty leaders of the county fashions condescended to promise they would do themselves the pleasure to wait upon Mr. and Mrs. Germaine on the 20th . Their cards of acceptation were shown with triumph by the Germaines ; but it was a triumph of short duration . With all the refinement of cruelty , they gave hopes which they never meant to fulfil . On the morning , noon , and night , of the 20th , notes poured in with apologies , or rather with excuses , for not keeping their engagements . Scarcely one was burnt , before another arrived . Mrs. Germaine could not command her temper ; and she did not spare her husband in this trying moment . The arrival of some company for the ball interrupted a warm dispute between the happy pair .