nine o’clock
For a moment I was stunned , but when I recovered I crawled upstairs into the drawing-room and on looking into the chimney-glass discovered that my chin was bleeding , my shirt smeared with the coal-blocks , and my left trouser torn at the knee . However , Mrs. James brought me down another shirt , which I changed in the drawing-room . I put a piece of court-plaster on my chin , and Sarah very neatly sewed up the tear at the knee . At nine o'clock Carrie swept into the room , looking like a queen . Never have I seen her look so lovely , or so distinguished . She was wearing a satin dress of sky-blue -- my favourite colour -- and a piece of lace , which Mrs. James lent her , round the shoulders , to give a finish . I thought perhaps the dress was a little too long behind , and decidedly too short in front , but Mrs. James said it was _ à la mode _ .