Many of the girls or matrons were dressed far
more daringly than they would have been a year or two before.
Almost all of them were powdered and painted. Prosperity was
rapidly breaking the chains of American Puritanism, rapidly
"Frenchifying" the country, and the East Side was quick to fall
into line
The band was again playing with might and main. The vehement
little conductor was again exerting every nerve and muscle. His
bow, which was also his baton, was pouring vim and sex mystery
into the dancers. As I looked at him it seemed to me as though the
music, the thunderous clatter of feet, and the hum of voices all
came from the fiery rhythm of his arm
Finally, I discovered Miss Tevkin. She was dancing with a
sallow-faced, homely, scholarly-looking fellow. The rhythmic
motion of her tall, stately frame, as it floated and swayed through
the dazzling light, brought a sob to my throat
When the waltz was over and her cavalier was taking her to a seat I
caught her eye. I nodded and smiled to her. She returned the
greeting, but immediately averted her face.
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