eight o'clock
Ella was at home for a few moments , almost every day ; but she did not dine at home more than once or twice in a fortnight . But she was always there for the family 's occasional formal dinner party in which events Susan refused very sensibly to take part . She and Miss Baker dined early and most harmoniously in the breakfast-room , and were free to make themselves useful to the ladies of the house afterward . Ella would be magnificent in spangled cloth-of-gold ; Emily very piquante in demure and drooping white , embroidered exquisitely with tiny French blossoms in color ; Mrs. Saunders rustling in black lace and lavender silk , as the three went downstairs at eight o'clock . Across the wide hall below would stream the hooded women and the men in great-coats , silk hats in hand . Ella did not leave the drawing-room to meet them , as on less formal occasions , but a great chattering and laughing would break out as they went in . Susan , sitting back on her knees in the upper hall , to peer through the railing at the scene below , to Miss Baker 's intense amusement , could admire everything but the men guests .