eight o'clock
There was something about the partnership that appealed to Monty . To her regret the DeMille dinner interfered with the opening of the performance , but Monty consoled her with the promise that the opera and its democratic audience should follow . During the day Mrs. Dan had been deep in preparations for her banquet , but her plans were elaborately concealed . They culminated at eight o'clock in the Cova not far from the Scala , and the dinner was eaten in the garden to the sound of music . Yet it was an effect of simplicity with which Mrs. Dan surprised her guests . They were prepared for anything but that , and when they were served with consomme , spaghetti -- a concession to the chef -- and chops and peas , followed by a salad and coffee , the gratitude of the crowd was quite beyond expression . In a burst of enthusiasm `` Subway '' Smith suggested a testimonial .