about ten o'clock
The Masons , with himself , were engaged to attend a large party on the last evening of January . Without analyzing the impulse that constrained him to do so , he had refrained from reminding Rosa that his stay in Washington was so nearly over , and , with masculine consistency , he was half disposed to be affronted that she had forgotten what he had said to her of its extent . He had never seen her more lively -- in more radiant spirits and looks -- than she was upon the night of the 30th . He had dropped into her aunt 's parlor about ten o'clock , and detected Rosa in the act of dragging her new ball-dress from the box in which the mantua maker had sent it home . `` Conceive , if you can -- but you ca n't , being a man -- what I have undergone for an hour and more ! '' she cried , at seeing him . `` My treasure -- the darlingest love of a dress I have ever ordered -- was brought in exactly two seconds before a brace of honorables -- lumbering machines that they are !