Chandeliers of most primitive construction had been hung from the roof, and so skilfully decked with green that the rough splinters of wood which formed them were completely hidden.

Flags and garlands ornamented the rough brick walls, and with plenty of light and flowers, and no small amount of taste and skill, the volunteer decorators had in fact succeeded in making out of rather unpromising materials, a very gay and brilliant-looking saloon.
A small space near the door had been railed off, and served as a passage to the dressing-rooms, from which sounds of voices and laughter came merrily, though the ball-room itself was at present quite empty.
"Your neighbours are not quite so punctual as you would have me believe," said Mr.Percy; "there is not even a fiddler visible." At that moment Mrs.Bellairs put her head out of a dressing-room.

"Oh, William!" she said, "I'm so glad you are come.

Have you seen Maurice or Henry Scott ?" "No indeed.

Where are your fiddlers ?" "Just what I want to know.