eight o'clock
With young people bent on a frolic , they could be the gayest of the party . Their outlook upon life was always across green meadows or perfectly kept beds of beautiful flowers . Every guest found ready sympathy for whatever was nearest and dearest to him , and went away convinced that he had never rightly understood his own hobby before . In this atmosphere , and at table with this couple , John and Frank Earl seated themselves at eight o'clock for dinner . It would be difficult to imagine two brothers more widely separated in physical and mental characteristics . John was tall , athletic , with dark hair , large , dreamy brown eyes , perfect poise , a silent and dignified bearing that easily commanded attention when he spoke , a low , musical voice and an exceedingly strong and graceful hand . Frank was of medium height , spare of figure , with light hair , penetrating blue eyes , resilient voice , quick and nervous of speech , with large hands and feet , and not a shadow of dignity in his bearing .