Sentence:  The one significant exception that was allowed was if an Indian habitually wore European clothes in public, then he would be allowed to wear shoes in the presence of his English masters on such occasions of western-style rituals such as the governor general's levee, a drawing room, <WSD>conversazione</WSD> or a ball. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  A formal gathering where something related to the arts is discussed.