midnight before
Undoubtedly it was the excitement of the dance that appealed most strongly to Madge . The music , the flowers , the beautiful gowns worn by the women , the subdued murmur of laughing voices , stirred her imaginative temperament as the sunshine awakens flowers . The earlier thought of her father that had threatened to cloud her pleasure disappeared and she gave herself up to the enticement of the gay scene and the invitation of the music . It was after midnight before the ball ended . Tom 's car was at the hotel entrance to take the tired but enthusiastic girls and their chaperon down to the landing where the launch lay ready to take them to the `` Merry Maid . '' `` I 've had the most glorious time , '' exulted Lillian . `` And I , '' was the chorus .