No one observed this but Aunt Plumy from the recesses of her pantry , and she folded her hands as if well content , as she murmured fervently over a pan full of crullers , `` Bless the dears ! Now I can die happy . '' Every one thought Sophie 's old-fashioned dress immensely becoming , and several of his former men said to Saul with blunt admiration , `` Major , you look to-night as you used to after we 'd gained a big battle . '' `` I feel as if I had , '' answered the splendid Major , with eyes much brighter than his buttons , and a heart under them infinitely prouder than when he was promoted on the field of honor , for his Waterloo was won . There was more dancing , followed by games , in which Aunt Plumy shone pre-eminent , for the supper was off her mind and she could enjoy herself . There were shouts of merriment as the blithe old lady twirled the platter , hunted the squirrel , and went to Jerusalem like a girl of sixteen ; her cap in a ruinous condition , and every seam of the purple dress straining like sails in a gale . It was great fun , but at midnight it came to an end , and the young folks , still bubbling over with innocent jollity , went jingling away along the snowy hills , unanimously pronouncing Mrs. Basset 's party the best of the season . `` Never had such a good time in my life ! '' exclaimed Sophie , as the family stood together in the kitchen where the candles among the wreaths were going out , and the floor was strewn with wrecks of past joy . `` I 'm proper glad , dear . Now you all go to bed and lay as late as you like to-morrow . I 'm so kinder worked up I could n't sleep , so Saul and me will put things to rights without a mite of noise to disturb you ; '' and Aunt Plumy sent them off with a smile that was a benediction , Sophie thought . `` The dear old soul speaks as if midnight was an unheard-of hour for Christians to be up . What would she say if she knew how we seldom go to bed till dawn in the ball season ? I 'm so wide awake I 've half a mind to pack a little . Randal must go at two , he says , and we shall want his escort , '' said Emily , as the girls laid away their brocades in the press in Sophie 's room . `` I 'm not going . Aunt ca n't spare me , and there is nothing to go for yet , '' answered Sophie , beginning to take the white chrysanthemums out of her pretty hair . `` My dear child , you will die of ennui up here . Very nice for a week or so , but frightful for a winter .
We are going to be very gay , and can not get on without you , '' cried XXXXX dismayed at the suggestion .
Emily Plumy Randal Waterloo brocades ennui midnight recesses week wrecks