noon
It is now past midnight ; I am wide awake , as if I never wanted to sleep again , and intend to write until morning . I am collecting my thoughts so as not to begin at the end , and put it all down in proper order . Force of habit is a great help in this . My aunt sent the carriage for the Sniatynskis and Clara very early , in consequence of which they arrived before noon . The ladies were bright , cheerful , and chirping like sparrows , glad of the fine weather and their excursion . What toilets , and what quaint hats ! Clara looked very well in a light , striped dress that made her seem less tall than usual .