Mr.Pepper executed an ingenious pointed step derived from figure-skating, for which he once held some local championship; while Mrs.Thornbury tried to recall an old country dance which she had seen danced by her father's tenants in Dorsetshire in the old days.

As for Mr.and Mrs.Elliot, they gallopaded round and round the room with such impetuosity that the other dancers shivered at their approach.

Some people were heard to criticise the performance as a romp; to others it was the most enjoyable part of the evening.
"Now for the great round dance!" Hewet shouted.

Instantly a gigantic circle was formed, the dancers holding hands and shouting out, "D'you ken John Peel," as they swung faster and faster and faster, until the strain was too great, and one link of the chain--Mrs.Thornbury--gave way, and the rest went flying across the room in all directions, to land upon the floor or the chairs or in each other's arms as seemed most convenient.
Rising from these positions, breathless and unkempt, it struck them for the first time that the electric lights pricked the air very vainly, and instinctively a great many eyes turned to the windows.

Yes--there was the dawn.