eight
o'clock
She was , indeed , hot and cold by turns , and she held herself with a majesty of mien which only a tiny woman can accomplish . Sally Carter was the first to arrive , and looked remarkably well in her black velvet of Custom House indignities . The Montgomerys followed , and Lady Mary wore the azure and white in which she appeared harmless and undiplomatic . No one was more than ten minutes late , and at eight o'clock the party was seated about the great round table in the dining-room . Senator North sat on Betty 's right , Senator Ward on her left . Next to that astute diplomatist was the lady in azure and white , whom he admired profoundly and understood thoroughly . She never knew the latter half of his attitude , however .