half past ten
After having given each other vivid pictures of millionaires dining at Delmonico 's and throwing away fifty-dollar bills after their first quart of champagne , both men thought privately of becoming waiters . In fact , Key 's narrow brow was secreting a resolution to ask his brother to get him a job . `` A waiter can drink up all the champagne those fellas leave in bottles , '' suggested Rose with some relish , and then added as an afterthought , `` Oh , boy ! '' By the time they reached Delmonico 's it was half past ten , and they were surprised to see a stream of taxis driving up to the door one after the other and emitting marvelous , hatless young ladies , each one attended by a stiff young gentleman in evening clothes . `` It 's a party , '' said Rose with some awe . `` Maybe we better not go in . He 'll be busy . ''