A few side brackets were turned on.
The ushers ran up and down the aisles, stubs of tickets between their thumb and finger, and from every part of the auditorium could be heard the sharp clap-clapping of the seats as the ushers flipped them down.

A buzz of talk arose.

In the gallery a street gamin whistled shrilly, and called to some friends on the other side of the house.
"Are they go-wun to begin pretty soon, ma ?" whined Owgooste for the fifth or sixth time; adding, "Say, ma, can't I have some candy ?" A cadaverous little boy had appeared in their aisle, chanting, "Candies, French mixed candies, popcorn, peanuts and candy." The orchestra entered, each man crawling out from an opening under the stage, hardly larger than the gate of a rabbit hutch.

At every instant now the crowd increased; there were but few seats that were not taken.

The waiters hurried up and down the aisles, their trays laden with beer glasses.
A smell of cigar-smoke filled the air, and soon a faint blue haze rose from all corners of the house.
"Ma, when are they go-wun to begin ?" cried Owgooste.