ten o'clock
Half the fun of such affairs comes of the last-moment , makeshift costumes ; if you give people much time to think them up it is always a stiff and frigid function . Moreover , it demands a perfect night -- and we ca n't count on our Island weather twenty-four hours in advance . But to-day is perfect , and to-night will be fair with the moon at its full . You may dance on the veranda or make love on the terrace , just as you please , from ten o'clock till three -- or later . Supper will be served from midnight on . At one we shall unmask . `` As I say , all preparations had been made , weather permitting ; I had merely to telephone the caterers , electricians , and musicians , and scribble these invitations .