She resolved to forget all this and, for one night at least, enjoy life to its full.
The fourth waltz had come to a close with a glorious swing. She was seated on the side line with Danby Force when, of a sudden, a figure appeared on the narrow platform. A jolly-faced young man he was. His dark eyes were sparkling, his bushy black hair tumbled about his ears. His was a face to charm the world. From some woman’s gown he had snatched a broad belt of red cloth. A fantastic, romantic figure he cut indeed as he stood there waving his hands. “Well now, that was wonderful!” he shouted. “Beautiful! Artistic! Entrancing! Marvelous!
“And now—” his face became animated like a thing glowing with inner fire. “Now let’s have a little jazz.”
The orchestra leader beckoned. He bent low to listen. Then,
“No music? Bah! Who wants music? It goes like this!”
Like a clown in the circus, he produced a saxophone from nowhere at all, put it to his lips and began a series of strange sounds which everyone knew was jazz.
“Now!” He beckoned to the orchestra. His body swayed. His eyes shone. “Now!”
Who could resist him? Whether they could or not, no one did. The orchestra followed his lead. Dancers swarmed out upon the floor. Soon the place was a mad house of wild, hilarious dancing. Only Florence and Danby Force did not dance.
“Who is he?” Florence asked as a puzzled frown overspread her face.
“Hugo?” Danby Force said in a tone of surprise. “Haven’t you met him? Well, of course you might not. He’s an inspector, works in a back room. But in a place like this he’s what’s known as the life of the party.