five o'clock
An old fungus like me can not be expected to command respect from such an up-to-date humbug as you ! '' They had laughed it off and Lynda had , once or twice , donned a house gown to please her critical friend , but eventually had slipped back into suits and blouses . All of a sudden one day -- it was nearing holiday time -- she left her workroom at midday and , almost shamefacedly , `` went shopping . '' As the fever got into her blood she became reckless , and by five o'clock had bought and ordered home more delicate and exquisite finery than she had ever owned in all her life before . `` It 's scandalous ! '' she murmured to her gay , young heart , `` an awful waste of good money , but for the first time , I see how women can get clothes-mad . '' She devoted the hour and a half before dinner to locating an artistic dressmaker and putting herself in her hands .