about half past nine
Senator Dilworthy had become well convinced , by this time , that his judgment of the country-bred Missouri girl had not deceived him -- it was plain that she was going to be a peerless missionary in the field of labor he designed her for , and therefore it would be perfectly safe and likewise judicious to send her forth well panoplied for her work . -- So he had added new and still richer costumes to her wardrobe , and assisted their attractions with costly jewelry -- loans on the future land sale . This first select reception took place at a cabinet minister 's -- or rather a cabinet secretary 's mansion . When Laura and the Senator arrived , about half past nine or ten in the evening , the place was already pretty well crowded , and the white-gloved negro servant at the door was still receiving streams of guests . -- The drawing-rooms were brilliant with gaslight , and as hot as ovens . The host and hostess stood just within the door of entrance ; Laura was presented , and then she passed on into the maelstrom of be-jeweled and richly attired low-necked ladies and white-kid-gloved and steel pen-coated gentlemen and wherever she moved she was followed by a buzz of admiration that was grateful to all her senses -- so grateful , indeed , that her white face was tinged and its beauty heightened by a perceptible suffusion of color . She caught such remarks as , `` Who is she ? ''