A BALL. 117 



they would appear to advantage even in 

 our fastidious sphere. He is a particu- 

 larly handsome man, of a fine figure, well 

 educated, has most accomplished manners, 

 and is as fond of dress as any of our Park 

 dandies. His lady is pretty, lively, agree- 

 able, and appears to great advantage in a 

 ball-room. She is a most excellent wife. 



Refreshments are never offered at the 

 usual evening parties ; you are only per- 

 mitted to call for water, which is brought 

 in a silver tankard, and is generally very 

 cool, and of a fine quality. 



When a set tertulia or dance is given, 

 almost every respectable person is invited; 

 and as these parties are generally much 

 alike, by describing one I attended at the 

 palace of the Vice-President, I shall give an 

 idea of them in general. I arrived on the 

 appointed evening at a little before nine. 



