two hours
after midnight
They found Mons . and Madame Quesnel , with a few friends , seated on sofas in the portico , enjoying the cool breeze of the night , and eating fruits and ices , while some of their servants at a little distance , on the river 's bank , were performing a simple serenade . Emily was now accustomed to the way of living in this warm country , and was not surprised to find Mons . and Madame Quesnel in their portico , two hours after midnight . The usual salutations being over , the company seated themselves in the portico , and refreshments were brought them from the adjoining hall , where a banquet was spread , and servants attended . When the bustle of this meeting had subsided , and Emily had recovered from the little flutter into which it had thrown her spirits , she was struck with the singular beauty of the hall , so perfectly accommodated to the luxuries of the season . It was of white marble , and the roof , rising into an open cupola , was supported by columns of the same material .