ten minutes past seven
Mrs. White rang the bell . `` Come upstairs , '' she said , `` and I will show you your room . And would you mind hurrying a little . You wo n't want to be late the first evening , and it 's ten minutes past seven now . Gracious , there 's the gong . This way , my dear -- and -- you 'll excuse my mentioning it , but a quiet blouse and a little chiffon , you know , will be quite sufficient . It 's your first evening , and early impressions do count for so much .