four o'clock
With an exclamation of disgust Winston hunted up broom and dust-rag , and gave the gloomy place such a cleansing as it probably had not enjoyed since the house was originally erected . At the end of these arduous labors he looked the scene over critically , the honest perspiration streaming down his face , glancing , with some newly awakened curiosity , into the surrounding dressing-rooms . They were equally filthy and unfit for occupancy , yet he did not feel called upon to invade them with his cleansing broom . By four o'clock everything was in proper position , the stage set in perfect order for the opening act , and Winston returned with his report to the hotel , and to the glowing Albrecht . Miss Norvell joined the company at the supper table , sitting between the manager and Mr. T. Macready Lane , although Winston was quick to observe that she gave slight attention to either , except when addressed directly . She met the others present with all necessary cordiality and good-fellowship , yet there appeared a certain undefined reserve about her manner which led to an immediate hush in the rather free conversation of what Albrecht was pleased to term the `` training table , '' and when the murmur of voices was resumed after her entrance , a somewhat better choice of subjects became immediately noticeable . Without so much as either word or look , the silent influence of the actress was plainly for refinement , while her mere presence at the table gave a new tone to Bohemianism .