The clock struck half past eleven.
“After all, I don’t see why I have to sit here,” she thought. “I shouldn’t exactly break up the party if I went to bed.”
And she was just about to close her book when Mrs. Quelton spoke.
“I’m so tired!” she said in a high, wailing voice. “I’m so tired—so tired—so tired!”
Dr. Quelton hastily rose and came over to her chair.
“Then you must go to bed,” he said. “Come!”
He helped her to rise, and she stood, supported by his arm, her face drawn and ghastly.
“I’m so tired!” she moaned.
Captain Grey came toward her, making a very poor attempt to smile.
“Good night, Muriel!” he said, holding out his hand.