A GORGEOUS DISPLAY.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume IX, Issue 965, 30 July 1881, Page 3

A GORGEOUS DISPLAY.

The account of the ball given by Mrs. Mackay in Paris lately reads like some sumptuous “ fete ” of the Empire. Two hundred servants in liveries of black and scarlet and gold ; ballroom lined with mirrors and old tapestry ; vadeteufels leading the band ; vocalists singing the valses ; souvenirs for the guests of silver from Mr. Mackay’s mines, bearing the Mackay arms and the date of the ball ; menus of white and pink satin ; 1,200 dollars worth of strawberries and sterlets from Russia. Could hospitality go further ; General Noyes, who was importuned for invitations replied, “ You seem to forget that I am here to protect Mr. Mackay.” The dancing room, of vast proportions was built at great expense, specially for the ball, in the garden of the house. It was brilliantly ornamented with double columns, and lighted by as many chandeliers, remaining notwithstanding, however, somewhat cold. The toilettes of the ladies were of great splendour, but none of them equalled those of the mistress of the mansion and her sister the Countess Celfetter. These toilettes were two poems. It is stated that Mr. Mackay had got twelve dresses made out of which to select one for the ball, and that the lace which she wore cost ten thousand dollars. On her dress neither pearls nor diamonds were seen in profusion. The dinner at midnight was followed by a fruit supper served for the papas and mammas at 2 o’clock in the morning, and the supper by a second one at 4 o’clock- Both suppers were served on large and small tables and 300 persons could sit down at them. The menu was not engraved this time on silver plates, but printed on bands of satin. It was worthy of Lucullus, for among other things were found fresh asparagus, which sells at present at six dollars a small box. Mr. Gaillaralet hints jthat a rupture between Mrs. Mackay and Queen Isabella has taken place—the former having declined the hand of the latter’s chamberlain for her daughter.