noon
Everything , except the stables and kennels , had been suffered to go to wreck . The house was of weather-streaked white stone , in part staring and pretentious , in part prodigal and vagabondish . The drawing-room of Newton-le-Moor , like most drawing-rooms , was a commentary -- more or less complete -- on the life and character of its owner . If it did not represent all his practices and pursuits -- his repudiation of just claims and obligations ; his sleeping till noon and waking till morning , and faring sumptuously at his neighbours ' expense ; his fleecing of every victim who crossed his false door by borrowing , bill-discounting , horse-dealing , betting , billiards , long and short whist , and brandy-drinking -- at least it painted one little peculiarity of John Fitzwilliam Baring very fairly . Not one accessory which could contribute to his comfort and enjoyment was wanting , from the exceedingly easy chair for his back , to the alabaster lamp for his eyes , and the silver pastile-burner for his nose . On the other hand , there was scarcely an article that had no special reference to John Fitzwilliam Baring which was not in the last stages of decay . On this evening , before Gervase Norgate came up with her father from the dining-room , where he might sit too long , considering who was waiting him , Diana had her tea-table arranged , and sat down behind it as if to do its honours .