We had hired the largest assembly room in the town, and decorated it regardless of all expense.

The wine merchants and confectioners for miles round had been exhausted to furnish our supper, and the tailors and milliners driven nearly distracted over our toilets.
Ogilby had never seen such a brilliant entertainment, and the officers of the Buffs had never achieved such a triumph.
"I was among the last to leave the gay scene, and as I stepped out into the chill winter air, and called for my horse, the clock of the church was striking four.

My man had to help me to my saddle, for, what with the sudden change of air, added to the excesses of the evening, I was not steady enough to do it myself.

My man was the son of an old tenant of my father's, and as he had known me from childhood, I was used to allowing him more familiarity than most gentlemen allow to their servants.

I was, therefore, not surprised when, on reaching my quarters, after helping me to alight, he stopped a moment to speak to me before I entered the house.
"`By your leave, Master Hal,' said he, saluting, `I thought you might like to know there is bad news from Culverton.' "`How ?' I demanded, scarcely taking in what he said.
"`Bad news, begging your honour's pardon.