When a crowd gathers in the street, there rises a babel of voices, a confused and pointless clamor, no matter what the purpose of the gathering, until some man who can think as well as shout begins to speak.

Then the crowd murmurs a moment, and after a few seconds composes itself to listen.
So it was with the noise in the hall when Pierre and Jacqueline began to dance.

First there were smiles of derision and envy around them, but after a moment a little hush came where they moved.
They could not help but dance well, for they had youth and grace and strength, and the glances of applause and envy were like wine to quicken their blood, while above all they caught the overtone of the singing violins, and danced by that alone.

The music ended with a long flourish just as they whirled to a stop in a corner of the room.

At once an eddy of men started toward them.
"Who shall it be ?" smiled Pierre.