ten o'clock
But the verdict of the audience was voiced by a torrent of bravos and handclappings that thundered until La Favorita , having thrown a long mantle about her , came out into the glare of the footlights . She bowed and kissed her hands , her smiles of acknowledgment sweeping the house from left to right , but at the box of the Sanseveros her smile faded , and she threw back her head with a movement of triumph . Nina was startled into fancying that she looked long , directly , and particularly at her . The Sansevero party left the opera shortly after ten o'clock , and a little while later drove into the courtyard of the Quirinal . Entering a side door , they ascended a long staircase , upon each step of which was stationed a royal cuirassier , all resplendent in embroidered coats , polished high boots , and veritable Greek helmets , which seemed to add still further to their unusual height . Between their immovable ranks the guests thronged up the stairway to the Cuirassiers ' Hall . Here , at the long benches provided for the purpose , they left their wraps in charge of innumerable flunkies in the royal livery -- which consists of a red coat , embroidered either in gold or in silver , powdered hair , blue plush breeches , and pink stockings .