The choice of the theme of Louis XIV, the theme of
the "Courts" of nations and the name of the
charity to benefit from this occasion are all equally
ironic in view of the momentous and tragic destinies
of so many nations over the following five years.
In the political wings, by 1913, events were already
taking place which were to cause the formation of
alliances and subsequent war - a conflict that served
to carry off the flower of this generation on a
global scale. Many of the people listed on this
programme were destined to fall in battle within a
few short years. But here and for now, these gallants
and their ladies danced and dazzled one another with
their finery.
For the Ball there was a varied music programme - and
the holder of this particular programme - who was
probably Dame Eva Anstruther
- was no doubt just as enthusiastic and optimistic as
anyone else - and joined in just as confidently as
any other too.
The dance card was not filled out beyond item 5.
Items 2, 3 and 4 were rated as "fair" but
item 5 was rated as "rather nice". It is
probable, of course, that the references are to the
musical content but it is amusing to conjure with the
possibility, too, that it refers to dance "partners"
and since no further comments appear in the Dance
Card section one may presume, perhaps, that this
guest, at least, found a diverting suitor for the
remainder of the evening!
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