nine o'clock in the evening
They are apt to shake their heads , and to look upon it as a misfortune rather than a blessing . `` L'altare e la tomba dell ' amore , '' is a very common saying with us , and very commonly believed . It was a relief to us all when we rose from the splendidly appointed table , and separated for a few hours . We were to meet again at the ball , which was fixed to commence at nine o'clock in the evening . The cream of the event was to be tasted THEN -- the final toasting of the bride was to take place THEN -- THEN there would be music , mirth and dancing , and all the splendor of almost royal revelry . I escorted my wife with formal courtesy to a splendid apartment which had been prepared for her , for she had , as she told me , many things to do -- as , for instance , to take off her bridal robes , to study every detail of her wondrous ball costume for the night , and to superintend her maid in the packing of her trunks for the next day 's journey . THE NEXT DAY !