They are spacious, lofty, and, when lighted up, appear very
striking. They are generally crowded with well-dressed people,
who drink tea in separate parties, play at cards, walk, or sit
and chat together, just as they are disposed. Twice a-week there
is a ball; the expence of which is defrayed by a voluntary
subscription among the gentlemen; and every subscriber has three
tickets. I was there Friday last with my aunt, under the care of
my brother, who is a subscriber; and Sir Ulic Mackilligut
recommended his nephew, captain O Donaghan, to me as a partner;
but Jery excused himself, by saying I had got the head-ach; and,
indeed, it was really so, though I can't imagine how he knew it.
The place was so hot, and the smell so different from what we are
used to in the country, that I was quite feverish when we came
away. Aunt says it is the effect of a vulgar constitution, reared
among woods and mountains; and, that as I become accustomed to
genteel company, it will wear off. -- Sir Ulic was very
complaisant, made her a great many high-flown compliments; and,
when we retired, handed her with great ceremony to her chair. The
captain, I believe, would have done me the same favour; but my
brother seeing him advance, took me under his arm, and wished him
good night.
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