ten
o'clock
His house assumed an air of lighter and more tasteful elegance , -- flowers , always arranged by Thelma herself , adorned the rooms , -- birds filled the great conservatory with their delicious warblings , and gradually that strange fairy sweet fabric known as `` Home '' rose smilingly around him . Formerly he had much disliked his stately town mansion -- he had thought it dull and cold -- almost gloomy , -- but now he considered it charming , and wondered he had missed so many of its good points before . And when the evening for Lady Winsleigh 's `` crush '' came , -- he looked regretfully round the lovely luxurious drawing-room with its bright fire , deep easy chairs , books , and grand piano , and wished he and his wife could remain at home in peace . He glanced at his watch -- it was ten o'clock . There was no hurry -- he had not the least intention of arriving at Winsleigh House too early . He knew what the effect of Thelma 's entrance would be -- and he smiled as he thought of it . He was waiting for her now , -- he himself was ready in full evening dress -- and remarkably handsome he looked .