It was merciful to the painted faces and softened the crudity of their raw colouring.

A mixture of odours offended the nostrils.

Powder came off in clouds, not only from the hair of the belles but also from the wigs of the beaux.

Its peculiar scent mingled with a dozen varieties of the strong perfumes in vogue, and the combination was punctuated by a dash of oil from a smoky lamp or two in the vestibule and an occasional waft of burnt tallow and pitch from the torches of the link boys outside.
The masquerade was public and the company was mixed.

The establishment provided punch, strong waters and cordials and some of the visitors had indulged themselves without scruple.