five o'clock
Patricia Sherwood , who had come early , circulated nobly , trying to break up the frozen little groups , but in vain . The time passed . More non-descripts -- and not a soul else ! As five o'clock neared , a cold fear clutched at Nan 's heart . No one was coming ! She worked hard to cover with light graciousness the cold-hearted dismay that filled her breast as the party dragged its weary length away . All her elaborate preparations and decorations seemed to mock her .