the hour of four
She went all to pieces , according to reports from the servants ' hall . In an hour 's time , however , she was herself once more , and then it was discovered that a postponement was the last thing in the world to be considered in a crisis of such magnitude . Hasty notes were despatched hither and thither ; caterers and guests alike were shunted off with scant ceremony ; chauffeurs were commandeered and motors confiscated ; everybody was rushing about in systematic confusion , and no one paused to question the commands of the distracted lady who rose sublimely to the situation . So promptly and effectually was order substituted for chaos that when the clock in Mr. Thorpe 's drawing-room struck the hour of four , exactly ten people were there and two of them were facing a minister of the gospel , -- one in an arm chair with pillows surrounding him , the other standing tall and slim and as white as the driven snow beside him ... . Late that night , Mr. George Tresslyn came upon Simmy Dodge in the buffet at the Plaza . `` Well , you missed it , '' he said thickly . His high hat was set far back on his head and his face was flushed .