midnight
With bizarre and often gross entertainment Marquis de Praille amused his guests who themselves presented a wanton and amorous scene that seemed itself a part of the elaborately staged revels . What gallantry , what passion , what low asides and snatched kisses ! as the squirming dancers intoxicated the spectators ' sense or gauzily draped coryphees plunged in the pool now converted into a fountain of wine . The elegant gentlemen and the audacious women guests -- themselves miracles of bold costuming and sixty-inch snow-white coiffures -- knew the play foretold the coarser revels that all would indulge in after midnight . Around the banqueting tables a number of ladies and gentlemen were seated , some still toying with the savory viands and drinking rare vintages of Champagne , whilst others idly watched the dancers or discussed the latest court news and high life scandal . `` Well , what do you think of my retreat from the whirl and bustle of Paris ? '' asked Marquis de Praille of his vis-a-vis , who was a dashing sort of beauty .