twelve o'clock
There was nothing melancholy about this party ; and King could n't help saying to Mrs. Farquhar that it hardly represented his idea of the destitution and depression resulting from the war ; but she replied that they must do something to keep up their spirits . `` And I think , '' said the artist , who had been watching , from the little distance at which they sat , the table of the revelers , `` that they will succeed . Twenty-six bottles of champagne , and not many more guests ! What a happy people , to be able to enjoy champagne before twelve o'clock ! '' `` Oh , you never will understand us ! '' said Mrs. Farquhar ; `` there is nothing spontaneous in you . '' `` We do not begin to be spontaneous till after dinner , '' said King .