suggestive of culture and refinement. All these things we feel rather
than see, for our attention is riveted upon the gay company assembled.

We hear the hum of many voices and see before us scenes of fair women
and handsome men, diamonds flash, silks rustle, and no garden of flowers
ever displayed a greater variety of rich and dainty color intermingled,
or flashed more brightly its gems of morning dew. But hark! From behind
that bower of blossoms and evergreens in yonder recess come strains of
music which set the little white slipper to tapping out the time as its
wearer waits impatiently for the waltz to begin, and now the room
presents a scene of whirling, whirling figures.

Notice particularly this couple near us and that one in yonder corner,
for I know them well. The ladies are beautiful and respectable.

To be sure, one not accustomed to such scenes would consider them
anything but respectably dressed, with their nude arms, neck and
partially exposed breast, and tightly clinging skirts which more than
suggest the contour of body and limb.

But society and fashion demand such dress; vile men demand it; for them
the waltz would be spoiled of half its pleasure if the woman was not as
nearly nude as she dare be.

The male companions of the two girls are handsome and fashionable, but
of their character not so much can be said, except in condemnation. They
are certainly pleasing, and are in every way endeavoring to be so to
their young lady companions, and appear to have succeeded very well in
their efforts, for, as they whirl over the floor, they gaze into the
eyes gloating over them and gleaming with a fury of lust. They allow