the hour of eight
It was almost dark ere the long-looked-for bridal _ trousseau _ arrived . Varrick drew a great breath of relief . He welcomed the shadows of night with the greatest joy . He never afterward remembered how he lived until the hour of eight rolled round . He had not long to wait in the little anteroom where she was to join him . The few invited guests who were so fortunate as to receive invitations were all present . A low murmur of admiration ran around that little group as the heavy silken _ portières _ that separated the anteroom from the reception parlor were drawn aside , and Hubert Varrick entered with the beautiful heiress leaning on his arm .