about
twelve o'clock
Dan ought either to dance or stay away ! She did n't _ like _ to see him looking glum ! The dancing was carried on until four in the morning , when in the chill grey light the company were ranged in rows , and photographed , apparently to provide a demonstration of how elderly and plain even the youngest of the number could look under such inauspicious circumstances . The three girls had breakfast in bed the next morning , somewhere about twelve o'clock -- a delightful occasion when all three talked at the same time , relating thrilling experiences of the night before , comparing notes , admiring , quizzing , shaking with laughter over a dozen innocent drolleries . These after-conferences are perhaps the best part of the festivities of our youth ; and Noreen , Ida , and Darsie began that fine June day as gaily , as happily , as unconscious of coming ill as any three girls in the land . Ralph had been anxious that his people should again lunch in his rooms , but Mrs Percival had prudently decided in favour of a simple meal at home , and it was approaching tea-time when the party sallied forth to witness the day 's `` bumping '' on the river . The elders were frankly tired after their late hours , but the three girls looked fresh as flowers in their dainty white frocks , and enjoyed to the full the kaleidoscopic beauty of the scene .