nine o'clock
He was pale , but in his face showed the renewed strength of purpose he had asked for . He set about the task of packing the few things he meant to take with him , working with a certain unhurried efficiency which accomplished no small amount in that hour before luncheon . Then he descended to find his sister 's car waiting for him , and was whirled away . At nine o'clock that night , feeling a little as if he were in some sort of familiar dream , Brown , wearing evening dress for the first time in more than a year , sat looking about him . He was at Mrs. Brainard 's right hand , in the post of the guest of honour , for Mrs. Brainard was playing hostess for her bachelor friend , Webb Atchison , in the apartment of the princely up-town hotel which was his more or less permanent home . About the great round table were gathered a goodly company -- the company of Brown 's old friends among the rich and eminent of the city . Not only men of great wealth , but men distinguished in their professions , noted for their achievements , and honoured for their public services , were among those hurriedly asked to do this man honour .