He's making the most of it, too.

Now may be the time to settle that sartorial rivalry between you." "All right," said Sherburne joyously.

"I'm ready.

Come on." The house, a large one standing in ample grounds, was already lighted as brilliantly as time and circumstances afforded.

It is true that most of these lights were of home-made tallow candles, because no other illumination was to be had, and they made a brave show to these soldiers who were used so long only to the light of their fires and the moon and stars.
Before these lights people were passing and repassing, and the sounds of pleasant voices reached their ears.