So they had to fall back upon Virginia reels, and everybody was made to dance.
The dissatisfied man was at my side when the order was given.

He turned to me languidly, and offered me his hand.
"No," I exclaimed, biting my lips with impatience, and added, "You will excuse me, won't you ?" He said, with grave philosophy, "I really think it will seem shorter than if we were looking on." I accepted this wise counsel, and went to dance with him.

And what a dance it was! The blinking kerosene lamps at the sides of the room, the asparagus boughs overhead, the grinning negro on the little platform by the door: the amused faces looking in at the open windows: the romping, well-dressed, pretty women: the handsome men who were trying to act like clowns: the noise of laughing and the calling out of the figures: all this, I am sure, I never shall forget.

And, strange to say, I somewhat enjoyed it after all.

The coffee had stimulated me: the music was merry: I was reckless, and my companions were full of glee.