The reminiscences and recollections of Captain Gronow, being anecdotes of the camp, court, clubs and society, 1810-1860 . a puredespotism, and subject to all the caprices of despoticrule: it is needless to add that, like every otherdespotism, it was not innocent of abuses. The fairladies who ruled supreme over this little dancingand gossiping world, issued a solemn proclamationthat no gentleman should appear at the assemblieswithout being dressed in knee-breeches, white cravat,and chapeau bras. On one occasion, the Duke ofWHino-ton was about to ascend the staircase of theball-room, dressed in
The reminiscences and recollections of Captain Gronow, being anecdotes of the camp, court, clubs and society, 1810-1860 . a puredespotism, and subject to all the caprices of despoticrule: it is needless to add that, like every otherdespotism, it was not innocent of abuses. The fairladies who ruled supreme over this little dancingand gossiping world, issued a solemn proclamationthat no gentleman should appear at the assemblieswithout being dressed in knee-breeches, white cravat,and chapeau bras. On one occasion, the Duke ofWHino-ton was about to ascend the staircase of theball-room, dressed in black trousers, when the vigi-lant Mr Willis, the guardian of the establishment,stepped forward and said, Your Grace cannot beadmitted in trousers, whereupon the Duke, whohad a great respect for orders and regulations, quietlywalked away. In 1814, the dances at Almacks were Scotch reelsand the old English country-dance ; and the or-chestra, being from Edinburgh, was conducted bythe then celebrated Neil Gow. It was not until1815 that Lady Jersey introduced from Paris thefavourite quadrille, which has so long remained. SOCIETY IN LONDON IN 1814. 33 popular. I recollect the persons who formed the veryfirst quadrille that was ever danced at Almacks :they were Lady Jersey, Lady Harriett Butler, LadySusan Ryde, and Miss Montgomery ; the men beingthe Count St Aldegonde, Mr Montgomery, Mr Mon-tague, and Charles Standish. The mazy waltz was also brought to us about this time ; but therewere comparatively few who at first ventured towhirl round the salons of Almacks ; in course oftime Lord Palmerston mijdit, however, have beenseen describing an infinite number of circles withMadame de Lieven. Baron de Neumann was fre-quently seen perpetually turning with the PrincessEsterhazy ; and, in course of time, the waltzingmania, having turned the heads of society generally,descended to their feet, and the waltz was practisedin the morning in certain noble mansions in Londonwith unparalleled assid
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