Two o'clock
Three hours were past in all the anguish of full-dressed impatience ; an anguish in which every female breast must be ready to sympathise . But Lady Juliana sympathised in no one 's distresses but her own , and the difference of waiting in high dress or in déshabille was a distinction to her inconceivable . But those to whom _ to be dressed _ is an event will readily enter into the feelings of the ladies in question as they sat , walked , wondered , exclaimed , opened windows , wrung their hands , adjusted their dress , etc. etc. , during the three tedious hours they were doomed to wait the appearance of their niece . Two o'clock came , and with it Lady Juliana , as if purposely to testify her contempt , in a loose morning dress and mob cap . The sisters looked blank with disappointment ; for having made themselves mistresses of the contents of her ladyship 's wardrobe , they had settled amongst themselves that the most suitable dress for the occasion would be black velvet , and accordingly many hints had been given the preceding evening on the virtues of black velvet gowns . They were warm , and not too warm ; they were dressy , and not too dressy ; Lady Maclaughlan was a great admirer of black velvet gowns ; she had one herself with long sleeves , and that buttoned behind ; black velvet gowns were very much wore ; they knew several ladies who had them ; and they were certain there would be nothing else wore amongst the matrons at Lady Maclaughlan 's , etc. etc. . Time was , however , too precious to be given either to remonstrance or lamentation .