Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1872-01-22
Society.


The receptions on Saturday were very de-
lghtful, and bordered very nearly on the infor-
nal; that is, the parlors OF those who receive
were never so full that the hostess and her
guests had TO stand. This standing is what uses
so many up in a short time, and il makes one
feel all the while as if on the eve OF departure.
and SO that in conversation one must not attempt
anything more than surface remarks, when.
perhaps, there is something SO suggestive that il
there was only time a good story might be told.
on yes, there Is much that is good and enter
tanning lost in the gidiy whirl that constitutes
the season. Suppose the season commenced
with the asse milling of Congress, and there was
a moderate number OF entertainments, how
much more enjoyable it would be, and how much
more the taste and expense that is lavisEed upon
these receptions would be appreciated, Unless
mind and body are attuned and in harmony
ton instead of a fresh pleasure. What Is the
intent of entertaining? Manifestly to give
pleasure to friends. Is this object attained If
your friends, as well as yourself, have half "a
dozen invitations for every evening, and how
ever willing the spirit may be The flesh refuses
TO undergo the strain. Why not reserve some OF
the parties until after Easter? This is a long
session OF Congress, and spring parties are de-
hghtful; and then the rest dnring lent would so
reeuperate exhausted energies that il 0uld be
like having new set Of people instead of the
syiritless set that will be seen by the 18th OF
February.
- Nrs, Baxter, Mrs. Mary Clemmer Ames,
Mrs. ard Miss Sargent received together OIL
Saturday. These ladies are all so CHI srminr hat
to call on them, be :ea.ed, and enter into con
yersation with either one Of them causes you to
forget now long you are staying, and thus neglect
other agreeable places Mrs. Ames looks so
well that one is inclined to reverse the decision
that over much writing and making of books
Is WEAKNESS to the flesh. On the contrary, il
see ms to agree with her, for she looks in robu,t
health. Mrs. Baxter is one a. those ladies OF
X ~ "a no is oil
loved. Miss Sargent is a sweet but delicate
looking girl Her mother is a lady of great vi
yaeity and sprightliness in conversation. There
were a large number OF distinguished caller
upon these ladies.
Miss Margaret Preston, OF Kentucky, is
sgain the guest Of her cousin, Mrs. James G.
Carlisle. Mrs. Carlisle is in mourning for
her half sister, and does not entertain this
winter; but, not wishing to deprive Miss Pres
tons numerous friends from calling upon her.
allowed her parlors to be opened Saturday to al
who called, though she herself was not present
Miss Preston is as captivating as ever, and there
are no traces visible of any safety of conquest
- Miss Mary Dudley, who was Miss Prestons
companion last winter, and between whom and
herself honors were divided, is to be married in
two weeks to wealthy gentleman Of Cincin-
natl.
Madam Garcia's Saturday reception was
brilliant as usual, and the lady fresh, charming
and eyincing all the esprit for 0hich she is noted
Almost the entire diplomatic corps were pres
ent.
Gen. Chapman. our delegate in Congress.
entertaineda large number Of prominent gen.
tlemen on Saturday evening at his handsomc
residence on G street. The party included
mt mbers Of the Cabinet, Senators, Representa-
tiyes, Judges, few Journalistic. a number OF
distinguished members of the bar, heads OF bu
reaus, and several army and navy officers will
fair sprinklipg Of gentlemen of elegant leisure
and combined about as much Of talent, wit and
good social qualities as can easily be brought;
together. Much of the evening was spent in tn.
examination of Gen. Chipman's large collection
Of antique royal portraits by Hart, Goodall
Levy. Dougherty and other distinguished ar
fists; but for those otherwise inclined ample pro
vision was made, including q most elegant re-
past, and discharge Of poetical fireworks by
father Gobright. F. g., BY the way, If he keepe
on getting OF his witty speeches, droll stories
comic songs, and pos:-prandial poetry, will soon
come to be known Ms the autocrat Of the sup
per table, And then we shall lose him. He
will have to 60 to Boston.
The King literary reunion on Saturday
evening was quite largely attended considering
the other attractions which tempted people
away from home. The party, viii n included q
number of distinguish ed persons, was treated te
an essay on genius by Prof. Patch, and to music
by Mr.. and Mrs. Fairlamb and others, and the
evening was pronounced most agreeable one.
This, however, is but an old story, as the same
thing is invariably said of all the King eve
nings.