In addition, Bristol, just at this time, contained a goodly sprinkling of the Cavaliers themselves, both military and civilian; not voluntarily there, nor as political refugees, but prisoners. Waller had flung some threescore into it, brought all the way from Monmouth and Hereford, most of them men of high rank, and most as many _on parole_--allowed free range about the city and circulation in its best society, if they had the _entree_. So, in sending out her invitations, Madame Lalande had not only a large, but varied list to select from; and to do her justice--or it may have have been Clarisse--on this occasion the names were pricked with impartiality; short hair and long being alike honoured by circulars of complimentary request. In this there might have been an eye to the changing times. Few were the refusals. No ball had ever come off at Montserrat House unaccompanied by a sumptuous supper. This was lure enough for the elder _invitees_, especially in a city still straitened if not besieged; while to the younger the dancing itself offered attraction sufficient. Since the deposition of the festive Essex there had been but little gaiety in Bristol; under the stern administration of his successor the dance being discouraged, if not altogether tabooed; so that youthful heels were itching for it, of both sexes, and belonging to families on both sides of the political question. As a result, over two hundred responded to Madame Lalande's invitations by presenting themselves at Montserrat House. Twice the number would not have inconveniently crowded it; since, in addition to several ample reception rooms, there was plenty of space in the ornamental grounds outside, which had been prepared for the occasion by a setting and festoonery of lamps. A summer's night--for it was July, and sultry too--this was an advantageous arrangement, the open air being more enjoyable than that inside. But another advantage was derived from it; one that may be thought strange enough. It gave Madame Lalande's guests an opportunity of _shunning_ one another! With many of them a thing most desirable; for men met there who had been enemies outside--were so still, even to hating--the fugitives from persecution and their very persecutors; the last, now their prisoners, humbled and abashed. Seemingly a fine chance for the former to indulge spites; but good manners forbade that. Still something more interposed to prevent awkward encounter or recognition. On the ball notes of invitation was marked "Fancy costume at pleasure," which left the invited free to wear masks, or appear without them. But then, even in ordinary street promenade, masks had not been altogether abandoned, at least by ladies, many wearing them to a still later period.