UNITED STATES AND CANADA 125 



into the decoration. Up at the first landing, where 

 the portrait of Queen Victoria looks down benignly, 

 there was grouped at the side of the massive frame 

 a hedge of evergreens, and in front of the picture 

 a rich massing of tropical and blooming plants. 

 Down the steps, on either side, was a thick garland 

 of holly, laurel, and running pine, with pink carna- 

 tions here and there. The dark, rich woodwork of 

 the staircase was a splendid contrast to all this fresh 

 green, making the hall the most successful in artistic 

 treatment of any part of the house. The east parlour, 

 which is finished in ruby and gilt, was softly lighted 

 with red-shaded lamps and fairy lights, and formed 

 a charming retreat for the dancers when tired out 

 from the heat and light of the ballroom. The 

 second drawing-room, in which a delicate salmon 

 tint with gilt is the prevailing shade, was the recep- 

 tion room. Just within its portiere-hung doorway 

 stood the Minister and Miss West, with her sisters, 

 to meet their guests. In the crimson and gold 

 ballroom chairs were arranged close to the wall, 

 and before eleven the waxed surface was filled with 

 moving forms. The dancing kept up without 

 interruption until half-past eleven, when supper was 

 announced. A bounteous collation, with wines and 

 punches, was served. By one o'clock the real 

 English ball began. Miss West and Mr. de Romero, 

 of the Spanish Legation, led the cotillion. About 

 sixty couples danced. In one of the favour figures 

 there were embroidered satin satchels for the ladies 

 and ribboned boutonnilres for the men. In another 

 the ladies received pretty fans, either gilded or 



