Nine o'clock
`` Hush , child ; what of that ! He may be a little old , but all the better -- you 'll be left a charming young widow the sooner . '' Della lifted a bracelet from the table , and fell to examining it with the closest inspection , while her little satin-slippered foot kept up an unconscious , nervous tapping upon the carpet . Mrs. Delancey looked at her watch -- `` Nine o'clock , Della ; the guests will begin to arrive , shortly . You need not come down till your father comes for you . Remember , _ ma chere _ , General Delville , particularly . '' So saying , the proud mother swept from the apartment .