noon
The family did not court observation ; it was serenely unconscious of such a thing . As to our side of the street , I think we may have been the only people at all interested in the affair now so imminent . The others had something more sensible to do , I fancy , than patching up romances about their neighbours . At noon the florists decorated the entrance with palms , covered the balcony with a gay awning , and hung the railing with brilliant masses of scarlet and yellow flowers . At two the caterers sent silver , tables , linen , and dishes , and a Broadwood grand piano was installed ; but at half-past seven , when we sat down to dinner , we were a trifle anxious , because so many things seemed yet to do before the party could be a complete success . Mr. Beresford and his mother were dining with us , and we had sent invitations to our London friends , the Hon. Arthur Ponsonby and Bertie Godolphin , to come later in the evening . These read as follows : -- Private View The pleasure of your company is requested at the coming-out party of The Hon. Patricia Brighthelmston July -- 189 - On the opposite side of the street .