That unsophisticated wizard was evidently enjoying himself in the practice of his art.

One felt that magic was not encouraged in the Army, and that the supernatural orgy in which he was now indulging was the accumulated reaction after long self-control.

Strange noises of unnatural laughter, for instance, proceeded from distant corners of the hall, and each of the electric lights in turn winked facetiously.

The string of the double bass broke loudly, and the new string which its devotee laboriously inserted also broke at once.

The performer looked appealingly at Lady Arabel, but she refrained from meeting his eye.