midnight
Now he said it a third time , and Ona drew a deep breath ; it was so wonderful to have a husband , just like a grown woman -- and a husband who could solve all problems , and who was so big and strong ! The last sob of little Sebastijonas has been stifled , and the orchestra has once more been reminded of its duty . The ceremony begins again -- but there are few now left to dance with , and so very soon the collection is over and promiscuous dances once more begin . It is now after midnight , however , and things are not as they were before . The dancers are dull and heavy -- most of them have been drinking hard , and have long ago passed the stage of exhilaration . They dance in monotonous measure , round after round , hour after hour , with eyes fixed upon vacancy , as if they were only half conscious , in a constantly growing stupor . The men grasp the women very tightly , but there will be half an hour together when neither will see the other 's face .