two in the
morning
So it was that with the record of a _ demimondaine _ -- and not one kind action to her credit -- Lady Harrowfield still held her place among the spotless , and ruled as a queen . There was not above two years ' difference between her age and Lady Bracondale 's ; indeed , the latter had been one of her bridesmaids ; but no one to look at them at a distance could have credited it for a minute . Lady Harrowfield had golden hair and pink cheeks , and her _ embonpoint _ retained in the most fashionable outline . And if towards two in the morning , or when she lost at bridge , her face did remind on-lookers of a hideous colored mask of death and old age -- one ca n't have everything in life ; and Lady Harrowfield had already obtained more than the lion 's share . This night in June she stood at the top of her splendid staircase , blazing with jewels , receiving her guests , among whom more than one august personage , English and foreign , was expected to arrive ; and an unusually sour frown disfigured the thick paint of her face . It all seemed like fairy-land to Theodora as , accompanied by Josiah , and preceded by Mrs. Devlyn , she early mounted the marble steps with the rest of the throng . She noticed the insolent stare of her hostess as she shook hands and then passed on in the crowd .