The tenant's feast, at which Sir Everard shewed himself a moment, accompanied by his nephew, had all the recommendations which good and abundant cheer could give it, in addition to a most hospitable welcome, and full license to be as noisy and jovial as they pleased. Ella was satisfied to hear of this from a distance; but at the opening of the approaching ball, both she and her sister meant to be present in person, as did all the rest of the party, including Mr. Sedley. Accordingly, when the appointed evening came and the company had assembled, and the musicians / taken their stations, Lady Ormond, leaning on the arm of Mr. Fitzmaurice, his wife on that of Sir Everard, and Ella attended by young Sedley, and followed by Frederic and Ernest, entered the spacious and lofty room in which the revels were to be held. In the motley collection of brothers and sisters, cousins and friends drawn together by the invitation of the domestics, many were to be seen who came from a distance of six or seven miles. During a considerable portion of the day Ella had witnessed, from a side window of her dressing-closet, looking towards the courtyard leading to the offices, the arrival of successive parties, in various costumes and various conveyances, which she had not always been able to survey without a smile. Some came on pillions and brought their gala dresses in bandboxes or bundles on their knees, wearing, ad interim, their usual attire; others alighted from their chaise-carts half adorned for the evening, and half equipped in the coarse garments suited to their daily occupations.