"Let's start without him," suggested Cheadle, who seemed pleased at
being referred to as an artiste.

A move was made to the platform at the further end of the hall; when
this was reached, a little old man staggered into the hall, bearing
on his shoulders a bass viol.

"Here's Baffy!" cried the three musicians together.

When the man disentangled himself from his burden, Mavis saw that
the bass viol player was short, unkempt, greyhaired and bearded; he
stared straight before him with vacant, watery eyes; his mouth was
always agape; he neither greeted nor spoke to anyone present.

In obedience to Mr Poulter's instructions, two of the band brought a
big screen from a side-room; this was set up by the piano, at which
instrument Mavis took her seat. The screen was arranged so that she
and Cheadle, the cornet-player, would be in full sight of the
dancers; the three musicians not in evening dress were hidden behind
the screen. They commenced a waltz. Mr Baffy did not start with the
others; he was set going by a kick from Mr Cheadle. He played
without music, seemingly at random, vilely, unconcernedly. Mr Baffy
seemed to be ignorant of when a figure was ended, as he went on
scraping after the others had ceased, and only stopped after
receiving a further kick from Cheadle; he then stared feebly before
him, till again set going by a forcible hint from the cornet-player.

Mavis acquitted herself to the grudging satisfaction of Cheadle. A
few minutes before the doors were open, Miss Nippett approached her,