nine o'clock
The only jewel she wore was a large cross studded with dark-blue diamonds , only recognisable as such by the rays of blue , yellow , red , and green light which darted from them . This cross was suspended on a chain of black beads resembling a rosary , and giving to the black-robed figure the appearance of an abbess . The Spanish lace mantilla which she had thrown over her beautiful hair served as the veil , and made the resemblance perfect . At nine o'clock the government official and the priest took their leave , and Mrs. Dumany retired , to put her babes to bed , as she said -- a duty which she always fulfilled herself , saying her prayers with them , and watching them until they slept . After the lady had retired , Mr. Dumany told me that even when he and his wife dined out , or were going to the opera , my lady invariably went home at nine o'clock to put her children to bed -- a duty which she never omitted ; but on the evening of the catastrophe she had been compelled to stay by the company present , and this had given rise to her self-accusations . She was nowhere happy but in the company of her children , who afforded her the greatest delight and amusement . I sighed , and , yes -- I think I was actually guilty of the remark that Hungarian ladies of quality were equally good and dutiful mothers .