On the row of chairs that went around three sides of the wall groups began to settle themselves.

For a long time the guests huddled close to the doorway; the lower end of the floor was crowded! the upper end deserted; but by degrees the lines of white muslin and pink and blue sateen extended, dotted with the darker figures of men in black suits.

The conversation grew louder as the timidity of the early moments wore off.

Groups at a distance called back and forth; conversations were carried on at top voice.

Once, even a whole party hurried across the floor from one side of the barn to the other.
Annixter emerged from the harness room, his face red with wrangling.