one o'clock in the morning
We are taking rugs to spread on the grass , and Japanese lanterns to make it look festive , and not a single servant , so that we shall do everything ourselves . We girls are all delighted , but I think the men -- Captain Grantly especially -- think it 's rather mad to go to so much trouble when you might have your dinner comfortably at home . Male creatures are like that , so practical and commonplace , not a bit enthusiastic and sensible like school-girls . We used to keep awake until one o'clock in the morning , and sit shivering in dressing-gowns , eating custard , tarts and sardines , and thought it was splendid fun . I think a picnic where servants make the fire and pack away the dishes is too contemptible for words . Vere wanted Will Dudley to come with us , so I went round to the `` The Clift '' that very afternoon and invited Rachel to come too . I am as much at liberty to invite my friends as she is to ask hers , and this was meant to be a checkmate to her plans ; but Rachel was too stupid for words , and would n't be induced to accept .