about one o'clock in the morning
These poor girls , being obliged to work hard all the rest of the week , reserved all their little coquettish adornments for their one fête day , the day so impatiently awaited on Saturday , and so deeply regretted on Monday . As is usual at such reunions , the masculine element in the little assembly presented a much less elegant and stylish appearance than the feminine element . In fact , but for some almost imperceptible shades of difference , most of these young girls were as bright and attractive as if they belonged to the very best society , but this slight superiority on the part of the young girls was soon forgotten , thanks to the cordial good-humour and frank gaiety , tempered with respect , which the young men displayed towards their fair companions . Instead of being at its best about one o'clock in the morning , as is generally the case with a fashionable ball , this little assembly reached the very zenith of animation and enjoyment about nine o'clock , as the hostess always sent her guests home relentlessly before midnight , so they would be ready to resume work the next morning at the accustomed hour . And what a dreary time Monday morning was , with the music and laughter of the night before still ringing in your ears , and the prospect of six long days of close confinement and drudgery before you ! But with what growing impatience and transports of joy you watched the approach of the longed-for day . It comes at last , and then what exuberant happiness !