half past one
But it was only one weak step . A warm and ample hand placed itself firmly inside the crook of his elbow . `` Let 's get started for this one before the floor gets all crowded up , '' said Miss Boke . Miss Boke danced and danced with him ; she danced him on -- and on -- and on -- At half past one the orchestra played `` Home , Sweet Home . '' As the last bars sounded , a group of earnest young men who had surrounded the lovely guest of honor , talking vehemently , broke into loud shouts , embraced one another and capered variously over the lawn . Mr. Parcher beheld from a distance these manifestations , and then , with an astonishment even more profound , took note of the tragic William , who was running toward him , radiant -- Miss Boke hovering futilely in the far background . `` What 's all the hullabaloo ? ''