In many instances indeed they have led to such serious
misunderstandings, that they were only terminated by the duel.
From this statement I may remark here, though my observation be not
immediately to the point, that there is not probably that portion of
entertainment, or that substantial pleasure, winch people expected to
find at these monthly meetings. The little jealousies arising about
precedency, or about the admiration of one more than of another; the
falling in occasionally with disagreeable partners; the slights and
omissions that are often thought to be purposely made; the head-achs,
colds, sicknesses, and lassitude afterwards, must all of them operate as
so many drawbacks from this pleasure: and it is not unusual to hear
persons, fond of such amusements, complaining afterwards that they had
not answered. There is therefore probably more pleasure in the
preparations for such amusements, and in the previous talk about them,
than in the amusements themselves.
It is also probable that the greatest pleasure felt in the ball-room, is
felt by those, who get into it as spectators only. These receive
pleasure from the music, from the beat of the steps in unison with it,
but particularly from the idea that all, who join in the dance, are
happy.
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