twelve o'clock
The dark young man took the next two , and Susan found herself in the enchanting position of a person reproached by disappointed partners . Perhaps there were disappointed and unpopular girls at the dance , perhaps there was heart-burning and disappointment and jealousy ; she saw none of it . She was passed from hand to hand , complimented , flirted with , led into the little curtained niches where she could be told with proper gravity of the feelings her wit and beauty awakened in various masculine hearts . By twelve o'clock Susan wished that the ball would last a week , she was borne along like a feather on its glittering and golden surface . Ella was by this time passionately playing the new and fascinating game of bridge whist , in a nearby room , but Browning was still busy , and presently he came across the floor to Susan , and asked her for a dance -- an honor for which she was entirely unprepared , for he seldom danced , and one that she was quick enough to accept at once . `` Perhaps you 've promised the next ? '' said Browning .