a ghost train of seven cars went past in hues of navy and champagne , with the most wonderful golden light coming from inside , and the cars from left to right as they passed showing the progression of the most sophisticated party in the world , with men in tuxedos and women in beaded gowns from another era , and each car told the story from greetings and horsdeuovres and cocktails , to dinner , to music and parlor games , to pairings off and advances rebuffed or welcomed , to excess and indulgence , and finally to naps of elegant people in awkward positions , thrown about like beanbags but as blissful as children .