There's a ball, just think, a ball to-night,
The ball is given for Nell.
There are lights and flowers ev'rywhere,
I hear the music swell.

It was half-past-nine when the dance began, 
They thought I was safe in bed,
But I crept along with naked feet,
And crouched on the stairs instead!

And Jane, the housemaid, won't betray, 
She is very kind and nice;
She brought me a glass of lemonade, 
And a great big strawberry ice.

Once Nell came and sat close by, 
With an officer, oh so smart!
He said "he had never loved before, 
But to-night he had lost his heart!"

I could not hear what her answer was, 
I nearly died of laughing,
But just look out for tomorrow, Nell,
I think there will be some chaffing!