There is in the Anglo-Saxon temperament an almost feverish desire to break away from any condition of strain, a sort of shamefaced impulse to discard emotionalism.

The strange hush which had lent a queer sensation of unreality to all that was passing in the great building was without any warning brought to an end.

Whispers swelled into speech, and speech into almost a roar of voices.

Then the music struck up, although at first there were few who cared to dance.

There were many who, like Maggie and her companions, silently left their places and hurried homewards.
In the limousine scarcely a word was spoken.