About midnight
Mrs. Sherwood smiled a little grimly , and her glance strayed down the wall opposite until it rested on Nan . She examined the girl speculatively . Nan was apparently completely absorbed in Ben Sansome ; but there was in her manner something feverish , hectic , a mere nothing , which did not escape Mrs. Sherwood 's keen eye . About midnight Sherwood appeared , and at once made his way to his wife 's side . He was punctiliously dressed in the mode : a `` swallowtail , '' bright , soft silk tie of ample proportions , frilled linen , and sparkling studs . He bent with an old-world formality over his wife 's hand . She swept away her skirts from the chair at her side , her eyes sparkling softly with pleasure .