one o'clock before
`` Anne talks of no one else to me . Your fame has already preceded you . '' The Southards proved to be hospitable entertainers , and exerted every effort in behalf of their young guests . The time slipped by on wings , and it was well after one o'clock before any one thought of returning to the hotel . `` I am not a very reliable chaperon , '' laughed Mrs. Gibson , `` to allow my charges to keep such late hours as this . '' `` It 's only once in a life time , '' remarked Nora . `` How very cruel , '' said Mr. Southard solemnly .