The free citizen. (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1874-1876, 1875-03-13
The Khedive's Ball.

A Cairo correspondent describes n
ball recently given by the khedive as
follows "It took place at tho Cue
zireh palace, situated on tho Nile. AS
one entered the avenue leading into the
garden of the palace, fairy land begun
Chinese lanterns suspended along the
avenues, and cleaning amid the broad
green leaves of lofty palms, giving them
the appearance of being covered with
gorgeous flowers fountains sparkling
like sprays Of diamonds in the flashing
light graceful statues draped with gar
lands as if trying to conceal their love-
liness gas-lcts placed close together
round tho top Of the palace, giving the
effect at II distance of IN lmbroken chain
of flame; revolving lights in many col
ors, SO arranged ns to be reflected in
tho river for almost a mile, combined
to form sccno of magical beauty un-
cqualed by any in tho Arabian Nights. ,
When tho invited guest reached the
grand entrance his eyes were dazzled
by the flood Of light poured npon him
from the richly gilt chandeliers in the
veslihule: the marble pavement and
tho broad marble steps wore covered
with rich Persian carpets. AS tho ladies
stepped from the carriages ushers dress
ed in tho native costume offered their
arms to the cloak-room then up the
f6-anl l-ate.ircnoo,.f f.nl ~, eos.l
speak English nor most foreigners
Arabic, they could not present the
ladies whom they escorted. bnt now
and then gentleman who had, been
presented and who understood French
conducted tho strangers to the room
where tho khcdivo stood alone, rcceiv-
ing his guests like any ordinary AmCri-
can gentleman. When introduced he
| shook hands and smiled pleasantly.
As he, too, could not understand those
who did not speak French, he remained
silent till another group came up. The
next thing in order was to walk through
the various rooms, particularly admir-
ing those occupied by the Empress
Eugene, of France, when here on q
visit some few years since. They were
elegantly fitted up i'll blue. 1t would
be impossible to fully describe their
magnificent beauty. When we entered
the ballroom, which was superbly dec
Grated and lined with mirrors, single
set had been formed for the Lanoiers. ;
The gentlemen in the set where Prince
Arthur, two princes (sons of the khe-
dive). and the duke Of Mecklenburg.
Lie lauleb were very uaHuSOLue auu
magnifciently dressed. The dresses of
the women in general at this princely
fete were surprising in their splendor
Glittering coronets, necklaces of pre-
cious stones, and on their arms, in their
hair, and even around their waists and
on portions of their dress were some of
the largest diamonds that we're ever
seen outside of palaces when the court
jewels were displayed. Weary of the
glitter Of the ballroom we passed out
on the balcony to there revel in the
panorama spread before us. 1t was
beyond description, and still (though
the hour was late), far as the eye could
reach carriages could be seen coming
ZIP tiic illuminated avenue as though
bringing guests from the uttermost
ends of the earth. The khedive's buffet
was next in order. Here there were all
kinds Of refreshments for the gentle
men, with.a profusion of rare wines.
All through the evening walters carried
around trays of ices, wine, lemonade,
and eherbet Half an hour after mid
night supper was announced. The
guests were all seated at tables glitter
ing with crystal, silver and gold, and
laden with MI the luxuries of the cast. :"