1847, and the
total losses by deaths in the expedition has been, to this date, nine
officers and 15 men; we start on, to-morrow, 26th, for Back's Fish
River." From the Eskimo was learned how one of the ships sunk in deep
water, and the other was wrecked, after which they all perished
miserably, some "falling down and dying as they walked," as an old woman
told Capt. McClintock.

CHAPTER XXV.

The Queen's Costume Ball--Copper Coinage of William IV.--New Oxford
Street opened--Sale of Napoleon's relics--Story of Nelson's coat--Visit
of King of the Netherlands--Railway speculation--Hire of
newspapers--Reverse of fortune--Prince Albert and his taxes--Waghorn's
overland route.

The Queen gave a Costume Ball, at Buckingham Palace, on 6th June, which
was a magnificent affair, and gave plenty of food for conversation.
Every guest had to appear in a costume appropriate to the period of
English history between 1740 and 1750; but, with the exception of the
minuet, the dances were modern.

I have only space for the dresses of the Queen and Prince Albert. Her
Majesty's dress was composed of gold tissue, brocaded in coloured
flowers, green leaves and silver, trimmed round the top, bottom and sides
(the upper dress being open in front) with point lace over red ribbon;
the dress looped up with red satin ribbons, and two large bows, in each
of which was a diamond bow and tassel. The stomacher was composed of two
large diamond bows, and a diamond point; the sleeves, which were tight,
finished with point lace ruffles, and trimmed with red ribbon; on the
left arm, the Garter in diamonds, and, on the right, a diamond rosette.
She wore the blue ribbon and diamond George as usual. The under
petticoat was of white and silver tissue, trimmed with a deep flounce of
rich point lace (which had belonged to Queen Charlotte), headed by a
quilling of red satin ribbon and bows; above, a narrower flounce of point
lace, trimmed like the other; in each ribbon bow, a diamond rosette.

Prince Albert wore a suit of the richest crimson velvet (of Spitalfields
manufacture); the coat lined with white satin, edged throughout with
gold; and the buttons were of gold. On his left breast His Royal
Highness wore a most splendid star of the order of the Garter, composed
of diamonds, with the exception of the cross, which was formed of rubies.
The badge of the Order was confined at the shoulder by an epaulette
composed of large brilliants, and a most