The next night but one after that of the gambling transaction at the Beargarden, a great ball was given in Grosvenor Square.

It was a ball on a scale so magnificent that it had been talked about ever since Parliament met, now about a fortnight since.

Some people had expressed an opinion that such a ball as this was intended to be could not be given successfully in February.

Others declared that the money which was to be spent,--an amount which would make this affair quite new in the annals of ball-giving,--would give the thing such a character that it would certainly be successful.

And much more than money had been expended.