midnight
The performers were so enchanted with the evening 's fun that they refused to take off their gay costumes , and declared one and all that they meant to see the old year out . The Father of his Country forgot his dignity , and cut up all sorts of antics with April Fool 's Day . Even Father Time joined in the fun , and Christmas and New Year bestrewed the floor with cotton batting as they danced with the old ladies . But they were tired out before midnight , and when the city bells rang in the new year they were all sound asleep and heard not a bit of it . And this is what came of it : Of course in the first place the harp was mended and paid for , and its owner was able once more to earn something for his family . With her burden thus made lighter , Marie worked away cheerfully at her embroidery , and Tina went happily to school in the warm dress Mrs. Howard gave her . Many were the blessings invoked on the heads of the young people who had helped them !