Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1883-09-07
gufal aud gersoual.

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Bal Masque .-"Bellview," the beauti.
full home Of Mr.. and Mrs John Diamond,
was on the evening the Both of August the
scene Of grand mask ball, which in the en-
oyment and hospitality manifest on the &C.
casion could not be surpassed. The man
sion, which has always been so justly famed
for the ingenious hospitality and cordial
manners of its inmates, has been renovated
and remodled in the most attractive and
modern style and in its comfortable and
convenient interior and glistening and i'm
posing exterior presents country residence
of the very first rank.
The approach was made the more en-
chanting by the brilliant illumination of
the house, the presence of countless Chinese
lanterns in the grounds and the thrilling
music of the band
The guests were received in the hall at
the entrance to the beautiful saloon parlor
by the host and hostess in the most cordial
and graceful manner and were then con-
Quoted to the ladies' and gentemen's dress
ing rooms, in the appointment OF which the
hands of refined and elegant lady and
genial host were manifest In fact the gen.
tlemen's dressing room was perfect in its
equipment. And we learn from lady of
great taste that nothing could be more COM
plete and comfortable than the ladies' dress
ing room and the attention of the ladies'
maids in waiting
1t would be too great trespass upon the
columns of the paper to offer any enumera-
ton or description of the numerous masks
and characters that were present. Suffice it
that the masks were curious, hideous and
ridiculous, and representing every cline and
court, from the brilliant Castillian knight
down to the plantation slave. The Irish
man, the dutchman, the sailor, the dairy
maid and the character historical, and in
terspersed frequently by the officers from
Camp Washington, some in the elegant
simplicity OF evening dress, some in uniform
and others in masks.
The night being balmy and bright the
dancing was conducted ON the lawn on a
pavilion smooth and waxed, accompanied
by the exhilarating music of the second ar
tillery band. The dancers being in posi-
lion just between the spacious piazza and
the band, were in full view of the more staid
guests who greatly enjoyed the picture from
the former position 1t was certainly
fascinating scene, and awakened in our mind
wildly our early impressions of French and
Spanish gallantrieS and gayeties. Between
eleven and twelve o'clock the DISCUSSES were
removed and then followed EXPLANATIONS of
surprise and wonder and it was with diff
ficulty that persons could be convinced of
the identity of certain masks. Soon after
the removal of the masks the guests adj
journed to supper and were RECALLED with
wines and viands from a table beautifully
adorned with flowers and plato and loaded
with refreshments, both substantial and ex-
quisitely delicate II was feast that will
long inger in memory both for its sumptu-
ousnesss and elegance as well rs for the
sweet associations that will be connected
with it,
In concluding an account of so important
a social occasion we cannot refrain from a
special reference to Mrs. Diamond, ST.,
whose genial and agreeable disposition has
on other occasions contributed SO much to
our happiness. Moving about from guest 10
guest in her graceful serenity, imparting
pleasant influence to all she presente
worthy and attractive picture of Maryland's
social elegance, and in her retirement from
the active offices of hospitality it is most
gratifying realization that Mrs. Diamond,
Jr., possesses the charms and graces of char
acter TO maintain the hospitable fame Of
Bellview.
A very attractive feature of the evening
was the handsome little son of the host,
master Carroll Diamond, who wore mask
and was very handsomely appareled in
velvet and lace He wore his mask as long
as the others and completely concealed his
identity. Some of the more conspicuous
costumes were Cleopatra, Spanish lady,
Old Grand Mother, Quakeress, Paddy Miles,
Music, Ruth, jolly Tar, Paul Pry, Humpty
Dumpty, Baby with Broken Rattle, Uncle
Remus Aunt Dinah, Don Caezer de Bean,
Gypsy Girl and Spanish Youth, besides
smany original ones of varied and unique
conception.