eleven o'clock
After a hurried consultation with the representatives from Allingham 's committee , the meeting was opened and the speaking began . But although those who addressed the audience were eloquent enough , they were unprepared , and moreover , were conscious that their listeners were keeping one eye upon the door ; in short , everybody present desired only to hear the two appointed speakers ; so that the affair was most perfunctory . The minutes grew into hours , and these did not arrive . Mrs. Mason , Mrs. Bateman , even Mary Snow , were sent out to the platform to represent the woman 's side , and although they were well received , the meeting broke up at eleven o'clock with a distinct sense of disappointment , not to say failure . The audience dispersed with but one question : `` Where are they ? and why have they not come ? '' A little after two , Gertrude called up Mrs. Bateman and told her of the events which had transpired since she had started out for the joint debate ; but it was too late to send explanations to any other member of the committee .