Was it imaginary?
She went downstairs and stood upon the steps of the dormitory in the open air.

No; the cheering was real and loud.

It came from the direction of the railway station, and the night air surged and beat with it.
Below her stood the aged janitor of the building, listening.

"What's the cheering for ?" she asked, remembering grimly that the janitor was one of her acquaintances who had not yet stopped "speaking" to her.

"What's the matter ?" "It's a good matter," the old man answered.