Qiiec7i Pomare at the Governor''^ Rout. 235 



the French Governor himself mingling with the excited popu- 

 lace, did not reach Papeete till far in the night. 



The fete at Faaa was followed, a few days later, 24th 

 February, by a dashing ball at the Governor's. The Pr^ 

 Catalan was gaily festooned with coloured lamps, and various 

 devices for illuminating the festivities. The Tahitians, accus- 

 tomed to dance only in the darkness of night, or at most 

 under the light of a few paltry suet candles, flocked hither in 

 crowds to revel in the brilliant light, and witness the Euro- 

 23eans dance the " Upa- Upa " after their own fashion. Within 

 the Palace was assembled all that was ultra-fashionable in 

 Tahitian society. All the authorities and notabilities of the 

 country were present. More than 200 persons thronged the 

 apartment, where, out of courtesy to our host, the band of 

 our frigate played a succession of polkas, waltzes, and qua- 

 drilles. Queen Pomare, accompanied by her consort and 

 several princes and princesses of her house, was also present. 

 The Governor received her at the threshold of the apartment, 

 offered her his arm, and escorted her to seats already reserved 

 for the royal family. Pomare is now almost fifty years of age, 

 stout and under the middle size, with a full inexpressive 

 countenance, and a waddling gait. Her toilette was simple 

 but thoroughly European. She wore a white ball-dress of 

 the latest French mode, and flowers in her hair. In her hands 

 she also carried a gigantic bouquet. Her youngest son, a boy 

 of twelve years, named after Prince de Joinville, showed spii^it 



