A murmur of conversation arose, subdued, gracious, mingled with the soft rustle of silk, grenadines, velvet.

The scent of delicate perfumes spread in the air, Violet de Parme, Peau d'Espagne.

Colours of the most harmonious blends appeared and disappeared at intervals in the slowly moving press, touches of lavender-tinted velvets, pale violet crepes and cream-coloured appliqued laces.
There seemed to be no need of introductions.

Everybody appeared to be acquainted.

There was no awkwardness, no constraint.