Ten o'clock
Blue-eyed Mary was one of those women who inspire others . She was the quintessence of femininity , and she distilled upon the air something delicately intoxicating , like the odor of lotus-blossoms . It was significant that the Fulhams ' was no longer a house of suburban habits . Ten o'clock and lights out had ceased to be the rule . After music there frequently was a little supper , and every one was pressed into service in the preparation of it . Something a trifle fagged and hectic began to show in the faces of Mrs. Dennison 's family , and that good woman ventured to offer some reproof . `` You all are hard workers , '' she said , `` and you ought to be hard resters , too .