But the saddest part was when this great performance was drawing to a close. The writer, in company with Colonel Magruder, went down to the subterranean regions below. Such a sight met the eye of the spectator. Colonel Magruder said that nothing had ever been done in comparison to it by the board of public works. “It is a matter of money. I can tell you that,” said he, “and no appropriation.” The tables still groaned under the fragments of the enormous feast. But the caterers and waiters were in a fainting condition. For hours they had gallantly stood at the plates, and still the coming of morn would insure safety to the enemy advanced, and it was feared that only besieged. The first three hours exhausted the vast stores of both Wormley and Welcker. Willard sent word that no provisions could be spared on account of the hop the same evening. Cake acknowledged that he was probably safe, because the crowd had been at Belknap’s and the governor’s first, but as good luck would have it, there was abundance for all, but, not satisfied with the feast, some of the vandals in the shape of men destroyed the beautiful ornaments of pyramids and other elegant et ceteras made for the eye alone, in order to carry off some good-for-nothing trophy. One would think such manners must be found in some hungry contractor. But, no; let us beg the workingman’s pardon. It is the same set of cormorants who manage to get into good society. The same men who disgraced themselves at Admiral Porter’s and at the costly entertainments given by the Japanese to the distinguished Americans at our capital. No one should be allowed to enter the governor’s mansion or a Cabinet Minister’s without his card of invitation. This is the only way to exclude these well-dressed harpies. And yet all this spoliation goes on for the women. “Angels and ministers of grace defend us!” This must be borne, however, because “women are the connecting link between men and the angels.” The governor’s ball--the story is not half told. OLIVIA. THE DRAGONS OF THE LOBBY. MESSRS. GOULD, HUNTINGDON, AND DILLON AND THEIR COHORTS. WASHINGTON, _February, 1869_.