twenty-five minutes past seven
And it so happened that she was dining that very evening at Timothy 's , where she went sometimes to ` cheer the old things up , ' as she was wont to put it . The same people were always asked to meet her : Winifred Dartie and her husband ; Francie , because she belonged to the artistic circles , for Mrs. MacAnder was known to contribute articles on dress to ` The Ladies Kingdom Come ' . and for her to flirt with , provided they could be obtained , two of the Hayman boys , who , though they never said anything , were believed to be fast and thoroughly intimate with all that was latest in smart Society . At twenty-five minutes past seven she turned out the electric light in her little hall , and wrapped in her opera cloak with the chinchilla collar , came out into the corridor , pausing a moment to make sure she had her latch-key . These little self-contained flats were convenient ; to be sure , she had no light and no air , but she could shut it up whenever she liked and go away . There was no bother with servants , and she never felt tied as she used to when poor , dear Fred was always about , in his mooney way . She retained no rancour against poor , dear Fred , he was such a fool ; but the thought of that actress drew from her , even now , a little , bitter , derisive smile .