midnight
The electricity had been turned on and shone down upon an amazing sight . Clad in black bloomers and stockings lay a row of six women flat on the floor , while in front of them stood a woman thin to emaciation , who was evidently talking rapidly . Alexina 's mouth opened as widely as her eyes . She had heard of Devil Worship , of strange and awful rites that took place at midnight in wickedest Paris . Had an expurgated edition been brought to chaste Alta -- plus Menlo -- plus Atherton , by Mrs. Hunter or Mrs. Thornton , or any of those fortunate Californians who visited the headquarters of fashion and sin once a year ? They would do a good deal to vary the monotony of life . But that they should have corrupted Maria ... the impeccable , the superior , the unreorientable Maria !