Her cheeks were bright red, her eyes half-closed, and through her parted lips she drew from time to time a long, tremulous breath of pure delight.

The music, the weaving colours, the heat of the air, by now a little oppressive, the monotony of repeated sensation, even the pain of physical fatigue had exalted all her senses.

She was in a dreamy lethargy of happiness.
It was her "first ball." She could have danced without stopping until morning.

Minna Hooven and Cutter were "promenading." Mrs.Hooven, with little Hilda already asleep on her knees, never took her eyes from her daughter's gown.

As often as Minna passed near her she vented an energetic "pst! pst!" The metal tip of a white draw string was showing from underneath the waist of Minna's dress.