midnight
The sound of the viol is again heard , and the merry dance is kept up till near morning light . The parties then gradually retire . Some of the young ladies , from over excitement in the ball-chamber , and subsequent exposure to the night air , take severe colds , become speedily consumptive , and from the place of rioting and mirth are carried to the grave ! In this country , where consumption is so prevalent , and accomplishes its work so rapidly , the distance from the midnight ball-room to the grave is very short . Most young men who attend balls go home inflamed with wine . I say _ most _ of them . It is not unfrequently the case , however , that some of them can not get home .