music. The air was heavy with the fragrance of strongly-scented
flowers, which sent out their night odours from an adjoining
conservatory.

The clock on the chimney-piece chimed eight. Sophy (the sleeping
sister) started up at the sound.

"What o'clock is that?" she asked.

"Eight," said Amy.

"O dear! how tired I am! Is Harry come in? Tea will rouse one up a
little. Are you not worn out, Helen?"

"Yes; I am tired enough. One is good for nothing the day after a
dance. Yet I don't feel weary at the time; I suppose it is the
lateness of the hours."

"And yet, how could it be managed otherwise? So many don't dine
till five or six, that one cannot begin before eight or nine; and
then it takes a long time to get into the spirit of the evening. It
is always more pleasant after supper than before."

"Well, I'm too tired to-night to reform the world in the matter of
dances or balls. What are you copying, Amy?"

"Only that little Spanish air you sing, 'Quien quiera.'"

"What are you copying it for?" asked Helen.