one o'clock
Peter and the rest of his servants were consulted and entered heartily into his plan . Cards of invitation were issued bearing the Crompton monogram , and a notice inserted in the daily paper to the effect that any who failed to receive a card were to know it was a mistake , and come just the same . There was a great deal of excitement among the people , for it had been a long time since any hospitality had been extended to them , and they were eager to go , knowing that something fine was to be expected , as the Colonel never did anything by halves . The day of the lawn-party was perfect -- neither too hot nor too cold -- and the sun which shone upon that humble funeral in the palmetto clearing shone upon a very different scene in the Crompton grounds , where the people began to assemble as early as one o'clock . The grass on the lawn was like velvet , without a stick or stone to be seen , for two gardeners had been at work upon it since sunrise , cutting and raking , and sprinkling , until it was as fresh as after a soft summer shower . The late roses and white lilies were in full bloom , the latter filling the air with a sweet odor and making a lovely background . There were tables and chairs under the maples and elms , and rugs and pieces of carpet wherever there was a suspicion of dampness in the ground .