one before four
If you have had no opportunity of inquiring , towards the end of the evening you detect her gazing fixedly at a middle-aged man wearing a decoration , who bows and goes out . She has ordered her carriage , and goes . `` You are not the rose , but you have been with the rose , and you go to bed under the golden canopy of a delicious dream , which will last perhaps after Sleep , with his heavy finger , has opened the ivory gates of the temple of dreams . `` The lady , when she is at home , sees no one before four ; she is shrewd enough always to keep you waiting . In her house you will find everything in good taste ; her luxury is for hourly use , and duly renewed ; you will see nothing under glass shades , no rags of wrappings hanging about , and looking like a pantry . You will find the staircase warmed . Flowers on all sides will charm your sight -- flowers , the only gift she accepts , and those only from certain people , for nosegays live but a day ; they give pleasure , and must be replaced ; to her they are , as in the East , a symbol and a promise .