About 7 o'clock
Suddenly the sound of distant music , and an open flat -- not like our boat -- approached , arched over with green branches and flowers . Benches stood about , and in the middle the orchestra played . In the prow stood the captain -LSB- Neville Déclouet -RSB- , and during the moments of the journey the music was mingled with the laughter and songs of our joyous company . About 7 o'clock all the trees about La Fontaine were illuminated , and Neville led us to a floored place encircled by magnolia trees in bloom and by garlands running from tree to tree and mingling their perfume with the languishing odor of the magnolias . Only heaven can tell how Neville was praised and thanked . I felt sure that Tonton 's good taste had directed the details . There was something singular in this young woman .