MOSCOW. 
the manners of France and England, they have 
laid it aside. Many of them are still able to v 1 
use it ; but as they deem such an accomplish- 
ment a sort of degradation in the eyes of 
foreigners, they are seldom prevailed upon to 
betray their skill; like many of the Welsh 
ladies, who, scarcely able to speak English, 
affect ignorance of their native tongue. 
Collected in other parts of rooms opened 
for this assembly, were vocal performers, in 
parties of ten or twelve each, singing volunta- 
ries. They preserved the most perfect har- 
mony, each taking a separate part, although 
without any seeming consciousness of the skill 
thus exerted. The female dancers and assist- 
ants in this ball were many of them prostitutes ; 
but the wives and daughters of the peasants 
and lower tradesmen mingled with these 
women, dressed out in their full national 
costume, and were apparently not at all dis- 
pleased with such society. 
The ball of the nobles admits of a very diffe- nail of the 
J Nobles. 
rent description. It took place every Tuesday, 
and, it may be truly said, that Europe exhibits 
nothing like it. The laws of the society exclude 
every person who is by birth a plebeian', and 
this exclusion has been extended to foreigners ; 
vol. r. G 
