ten o'clock
They returned just at sunset , to find numerous daintily laid tables awaiting them on one of the broad verandas and groaning beneath an abundance of the many luxuries that had been provided to tempt and regale ; while spotlessly attired maids and white - jacketed men were in attendance to serve the hungry excursionists . As twilight dropped down o'er land and sea , as the numerous lanterns were lighted and flung their soft radiance and vivid spots of color upon the scene , while a fine orchestra discoursed melodiously from some green-embowered nook , the place seemed like an enchanted realm where one might almost expect to discern , flitting among the playful shadows , those weird forms that people the elf land of childhood 's fancy -- `` Fairies , black , gray , green and white , Those moonshine revelers and shades of night . '' And thus the evening was spent in a delightfully informal manner , each and all appearing to feel as if they were members of one happy family , as , indeed , they were , in Truth and Love . But the final farewells had to be said at length , for railway time-tables are absolute , and the last train for Boston would leave at ten o'clock . At half-past nine the carriages were at the door and fifteen minutes later all were gone , excepting the Seabrooks , who lingered for a few last words with the family , and to take leave of Miss Reynolds , who would go home on the morrow . They were all standing together in the brilliantly lighted reception hall , Dorothy with one arm linked within her father 's , the other encircling Katherine 's waist . `` Has n't it been a wonderful day , papa ? ''