Peter Cripple handed his violin to one of the young men and asked him to play, for he himself wished to stretch his legs a little.

The girls drew back and talked with each other; but Peter Cripple stepped quietly forward toward Sidsel, flung his arms around her, and they danced a whirling dance.

Sophie laughed aloud at it, but Sidsel directed her extraordinary glance maliciously and piercingly toward her.

Otto saw it, and the girl was doubly revolting and frightful in his eyes.

With the increasing darkness the assembly became more animated; the two parties of dancers were resolved into one.