CHARITY BALL.

185

Wednesday, 13th.

Being in the neighbourhood of Foley-place, called to see Mr. M. At home! I was shown into his study here were many beautiful pictures, and some very rare Mosaic. In the course of conversation, he asked me if I was to be at the ball to night. "Ball," I repeated,-" What ball?”

"Then, you have not heard of it?"—"No," I replied.

"The last Catholic Charitable Assembly for the season is held to-night in Hanover-square." "Oh then, I must obtain a ticket!"

"I will get you that," said my friend: so sitting down, he addressed a note to the Secretary, which procured me the requisite; and at half-past ten, L made my entré, for the first time, into an English public ball.

The room in which the gay company were congregated was well adapted to the purpose of the evening; the floor was smooth as a kid glove, the length considerable, the height lofty, and the breadth ample : there were nearly five hundred present; and, to do them justice, I never beheld people better disposed to enjoy themselves. Dance succeeded dance, in quick succession: the only thing I regretted was the absence of much waltzing. We had Spanish dances, quadrilles, gallopes, lancers, &c., until five in the morning. The conduct of the stewards, their unceasing attentions, the excellent arrangements, with respect to refreshments, were

examples, which all attending places of public amusement would wish to see closely followed. I know stewards whose only care is to provide for themselves, and would suffer their next friend to sit still all night before they would put themselves to the trouble of procuring a partner.

Daylight was already awake when I left the house; and the grey tints of morn in the sky when I reached Regent-street. How noble seemed the Quadrant; not a voice resounded amid the pillars; not a step, save mine, sounded along the portico. How unlike a few hours since, or in a few hours to come! All was mute, and I could have fancied myself in some deserted city of olden time, it was so strangely desolate.

CHAPTER XII.

Dinner at Mr. W-'s-A Reminiscence of an evening-Bagatelle-A Flare-up meeting prevented Scene shiftsFieschi's infernal machine- The Colosseum - Panorama of London-Recreation-Drive to the Downs-Epsom race-course-The Derby-Pleasures of June-Ascot races -Heath course-Race for the gold cup-A Farewell.

Thursday, April 21.

JUST received a truly friendly invitation to dinner, from Mrs. W, Cadogan-place. It offering more inducements than Gray's Inn Hall, I accepted, and arrived at the door, by the hour mentioned in the

note.

I was presented to Mr. W-, also the eldest daughter, whom I had not before seen. Mr. Wis a gentleman of ancient family, and large fortune; a thorough English squire, a keen sportsman, and an active justice of the peace. Miss W-, is an extremely lady-like person, her manners gentle, yet dignified, and her features pleasing: her sister possesses much more animation.

Our conversation after dinner related principally to foreign countries where Mr. W— and a gentle

188

A REMINISCENCE OF AN EVENING.

man-one of the guests-had lately been sojourning. Our host spoke in disparaging terms of the inns, and accommodation in general, and gave an anecdote in support of his words.

It was in Switzerland, and after a fatiguing day, they arrived at an auberge in one of the canton towns. By chance they procured a salad; and, on one of the party wishing for some sugar, such a thing was applied for.

"Not a grain in the house."

The absurdity of an inn being without sugar, so different from home hotels, struck Mr. Was a circumstance, if not impossible, at least highly improbable, and he inquired if none could be had. "If a café is yet open, we may procure some." "Do, then," said the impatient sallad-dresser. Away went the garçon, and the company talked of the luxury of continental travelling. He soon returned,

"Avez vous le sucre?"

Non, Monsieur; le café est fermé depuis long temps."

"Sacré !" I suppose, was returned for the information.

The beauty of the Italian ladies did not take them long to discuss, it being agreed, on all hands, as much inferior to what our own fair ladies

possess. After sitting for some time in the diningroom, I left the talkers-on, to gaze at-beauty.

The Misses W. were, when I entered the drawing-room, performing some of Bishop's music,one on the harp, the other on the pianoforte. We had some singing, looking over albums, &c. Mr. W. produced a large collection of very interesting autographs, and also five volumes of medals representing scriptural subjects: on one side was the cast of the design, and on the reverse the portion of Holy Writ intended to be described. The die, I think he said, cost £10,000. After tea some amused themselves with cards: I played bagatelle with Miss. What a contrast to the scene where I had last joined in that game!

On Tuesday evening we-that is to say, six youths-walked forth together, and one proposed to play a game of bagatelle, which was agreed to. The proposer offered to show us the house; and as my friend wanted to make a call in the neighbourhood of Blackfriars Road, we appointed to join. Some of us had never been in the place; but my friend and myself, being fond of adventure, accompanied the rest, and made our way through a common public-house-bar, pewter pots, barrels, puncheons, the steam of gin and the fumes of tobacco-into a kind of stair utterly dark. After ascending a little, a door at the top opened, and admitted us into a long room, such as every