CHAPTER XV
Cinderella Revealed
The rattle of china and silver had begun in a room beyond the dancing hall and an aroma of coffee and a suggestion of savory food was in the air. Dancers and spectators sniffed in anticipation. The music stopped. Judge Middleton walked towards the end of the hall. He had Judith Buck by his side, her hand resting lightly on his arm. She was chatting gaily, but the Judge looked rather serious.
When the couple reached a spot near the bass drum, the Judge stopped and, borrowing the stick from the musician, he rapped sharply on the side of the drum.
“He’s going to make a speech!”
“Be quiet!”
“Judge Middleton is going to talk!”
The other nine old men called for order. Another sharp rap on the drum and all was still.