It was Pandemonium.

Afterwards every one strutted about for half an hour or so, showing themselves off, and then the legitimate programme of dances began.

There were some rather amusing incidents throughout the evening.

One set of lancers was danced entirely by the Seven Deadly Sins and their human exemplars; of course seven couples were not sufficient to make up the set, so they had to bring in an eighth sin, I forget what it was." "The sin of Patriotism would have been rather appropriate, considering who were giving the dance," said the other.
"Hush!" exclaimed Cornelian nervously.

"You don't know who may overhear you in a place like this.