The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1858-11-05
A OSEl an Lady.

At Cberbourg, the great attraction of the ball
the attire Of rich farmers wifa of Caudebee
who appeared il full national dress, nor seemed 10
think herself either ridiculous or singular amid
the numerous spTigs and cuttings OF the latest
fashions by which she was surrounded. Her dress
CONSISTED OF a d0He-coiored silk petticoat, shot
with rose color, very short, sea. cely reaching to
the ankles, for the better exhibition OF the silk
stockings with gold clocks ana the velvet slipper
with diamond bu ;kes in which her welturued
though somewhat robust neither extremities were
encased. kerchief en- p0inte Of the richest pout
lace was folded in plants almost 20 the waist be-
kind aud crossed over the bosom in frcnt, ssfsen.
ing with coquetish fore thought. the effect of the
black velvet bodice, laced and embroidered with
gold, and buttoDed with splendid diamond al the
top Round her neck hung rows upon rows Of
Venetian gold chain, measuring several yards in
length. and deemed OF considerable value, 10
winch was suspended diamond cross Of immense
value, consisting of four diamonds only, but OF
sHch remarkable size and intense lustre, that it
was declared i'll the ballroom, that they might
sia2d competition with those wora by tne En,-
press herself upon the same occasion. The head.
dress WAS the characteristic high cap of Normandy.
composed of the most admirable point a. 1iicacu,
falling into long baubes over the shoulder, and
raised each side Of the face, throwing syt.en.
ed shadow the cheeks. A single lilac ribbon
was placed around the crown attached by loose
bow at the side but the knot fixed by "a
diamond star, whose brilliaucy attracted the gaze
of all the curious critics from Paris and caused
many enviuus eyes to turn towards it from our
fair bonnes, who, while affecting lispng adn.ra-
tiop were yet some what discomttted at beholdiug
diamonds OF first water, and lace Of the first
quality, employed in the adornment OF peasants
cap,
he farmers Hife was followed to the door of
the prefecture BY many of the beaux esprits aud
journalists at Paris, who were anxious to get u
longer peep at this starry apparit on from the
past history Of the country: for the costume of the
people of Normandy is sand to date from the Cru
saders. What WAS their gstonis hmeut on behold
ing the lady with the air aud majesty Off chat
tIiHe of the olden time, mount her horse. Nhich
stood ready sadded and caparsoned at the door,
and ride fearessly out into the night, alone and
unattended, without dread of thought of harm.
perhaps to follow some nerrow defie, perhaps 10
traverse some bleak deserted plain or even 20 ford
some dsep and dangerous stream, before she reach.
ed her home at dawn.
The e.touish,nent of the fine gentlemen from
Paris at this ab ence Of ali feminine nerves and
aIfectaion Was louily expressed and their admira-
wherein the aforesaid stonishnent and admiration
gave rise to the ,Iest expression OF any desire
TO accompany the fair otj ct or go much interest.
la country where 10 gas exists, and where pave.
lnent is nowhere laid down, it WAS scarcely likely
that our exquisites would risk their dainty per-
sons III Any demonstrations of oid-fashioued or
cntlabdish galiantry; and so. while the fair Nor
man wended her way homeward on her stuut
charger, with its quaint gilt ornaments aud velvet
trsppings, With her heart whole aud sound,
in spite Of the attacks made upon it by the fine
gentlemen from Paris, during the bali, the fne
gentlemen from Paris retired TO rest with their
boues unbrokeD, aud their skins whole, aud every
body was ascoDtent.-Lonfop Court Journal