As to him, why should he condescend to think about state receptions, GALAS, pensions, kings and queens, and similar low things?
"The Countess of Albany"
Violet Paget (AKA Vernon Lee)
All this came and went in order, and without the intervention of a single circumstance that might mar the enjoyment of a day long set apart for happiness, and which began and ended more exactly according to the wishes and intentions of those who arranged its festivities than often falls out at GALAS planned by mortals.
"The Vicar of Wrexhill"
Mrs [Frances] Trollope
Of an evening there were fetes and GALAS of all kinds, and as the earl always attended these, Jack and the other young officers were permitted to go ashore either in full uniform to take part in the fetes, or to enjoy themselves according to their fancies.
"The Bravest of the Brave or, with Peterborough in Spain"
G. A. Henty