relative of Washington, or a Fairfax, or of the “first families of Virginia.” Others were more frank, and claimed no ancestry, but simply wished to know “how the thing was to be done.” When our list was full, all comers were told this, but this did not stop them. I was then daily solicited and prayed to give them the first vacancy. I did the best in my power, found out who people were, and if it was possible asked them to join. The little dances were most successful. Year by year they improved. They were handsomer each season. We were not content with the small buffet in the upper ball-room at Delmonico’s, but supped, as did the Patriarchs, in the large room on Fifth Avenue and Twenty-sixth Street, and literally had equally as good suppers, leaving out terrapin and canvasback. But when the ladies organized Assembly Balls, we then thought that there would perhaps be too many subscription balls, and the F. C. D. C. was given up. At this time, when the F. C. D. C.’s were in high favor, I received the following amusing anonymous lines of and about them: He does not reign in Russia cold, Nor yet in far Cathay, But o’er this town he’s come to hold An undisputed sway. When in their might the ladies rose, “To put the Despot down,” As blandly as Ah Sin, he goes His way without a frown. Alas! though he’s but one alone, He’s one too many still-- He’s fought the fight, he’s held his own, And to the end he will. --_From a Lady after the Ball of 25th February, 1884._