midnight
But who did not dance this evening ? -- Everybody was actually enthusiastic -- for all were infected with the joyous animal spirits of Henrik . Even Jeremias Munter , to the amazement of everybody , led Eva , with most remarkable skill , through the Polska , -LSB- 4 -RSB- the most artificial and perplexing of dances . It was only at midnight that the dance was discontinued , at the suggestion of Elise . But before they separated , the Judge begged his wife to sing the well-known little song -- `` The First Evening in the New House . '' She sang it in her simple , soul-touching manner , and the joy full of peace which this song breathed penetrated every heart ; even the grave countenance of the Judge gleamed with an affectionate emotion . A quiet glory appeared to rest on the family , and beautified all countenances ; for it is given to song , like the sun , to throw its glorifying light upon all human circumstances , and to lend them beauty , at least for a moment .