as i looked about the richly appointed ballroom-the enormous crystal chandelier from england , the rich velvet curtains from italy , the priceless artwork from france-and looked at the women glittering in their finest jewels , the silk trains of their imported gowns skimming the floor as they danced in the arms of their well-dressed escorts-and saw the waiters in their morning suits gliding through it all with groaning trays held high-i felt slightly sick to my stomach .