about three o'clock in the afternoon
When the draperies fell in their gorgeous and graceful folds to the ground , they made of the saloon two parts , and the division that embraced the windows had then all the privacy of a secluded apartment . When the curtains were let fall , thus intercepting the light from the bayed windows , there was still sufficient from the three sash-windows on the left of this large apartment to give splendour to what would then become the inner room . The heavy draperies that hung between the pillars were drawn up , but the light muslin was dropped even with the rich Turkey carpet , through which I caught but a dim and glowing view of the recess . It was , as nearly as I can recollect , about three o'clock in the afternoon ; and the sun , just dallying with the top of the trees in the distant Kensington Gardens , sent his level beams directly through the large windows , and the orange-trees and exotics that were placed about them . I advanced to the screen ; and when close upon it , I perceived the figure , though but faintly , of Mrs Causand , reclining upon a couch . I paused -- I do not think , on account of the distribution of the light , that she could have seen me through the veil that intervened between us . I dared not break through it without a summons ; and there I stood , for two unpleasant minutes , endeavouring to imagine of what nature my reception would be ; and whether a lady surrounded by so much magnificence would listen to the appeal of her former pet-playfellow .