The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1876-03-11
MON LIFE IN WASHINGrON.
some of Mrs. BcIknap's Costumes-"Wo are
Creatures of the Hour"
Prom ne Indianapolis Neua

Figure to yourself lady somewhat
above the medium height, very slender, and as
ssraieht as An arrow. vito that exquisite pose Of
tue mead which made Mrs. Kate Spague so
famous. Mrs. Belknaps throat was covered to
the chin with band of the black velvet Of her
gown. Around this band, which WAS headed by
a narrow thread lace, were four rows Of pearls
Of great value. | speak Of the band and pearls
first because they strike the eve In view of the
rich costume. There were pearls IN the ears,
buttoned on, apparently, In the present fashion,
ana the only relief to the black velvet nat WIS a
c r ' ia line witSthe sweep II the train, as
with quick step she came forward to pay her re-
suects TO mrs Grant and party. 1he reader may
be puzzled to get the plumes ana train In POSI-
ton IN the minds eve, but tue effect ON any ac-
tual vision was startling. IL was not until she
NOV 81 and took her place with head erect, in
tho select coterie behind the table, that OBJ
served her face and learned who she was. IL
was not a pleasing face because SO cold. The
complexion was glowing and the fe lures were
irregular enough to have been piquant, II there
had been much expression. But II was Just the
and dark eyes, which, out Of velvet and the
White House, one could Just as well frame In
the Kitchen looking glass as In my ladvs mirror.
do not say 1t is an Ignorant face, but the reader
may make any Inference he pleases.
To return to Mrs. Belknap's costumes. At
Lady 1hornton's party she wore white silk
umported). trimmed with lace OF priceless value,
and laVishiy adorned with flowers. There was a
quarter OF yard In depth, around the entire
skirt, made en- train, and ornamenting the waist.
Very little adjournment Was required for the
exposing TO view an illimttable expHnse Of shout
de, and bust, The dress was SO low that the waist
rested in II som ewhat after the fashion OF lily
In its cup. 1t was comey in view OF the many
co rise, scraggy, notified, aud disgusting spectl-
Giles OF the KIND IN Wow but there was n,tle
too much OF II. The precious stones that were
worn with this rich costume wore diamonds OF
pure lustre. Al another party, Mis-. Beiknap
wore a rose cOored silk Of royal value, and at
another entertainment she was attlred IN pale
shade Of blue silk. The laces and Jewslry worn
with these different costumes were Of marvel
lous texture and richness. | will not try to de-
scrlbe them. Dinner and visiting costumes must
OH he taken into account, furnishing, IN all, a
wardrobe 1T for queen. 1t cannot DE said that
Mrs. Belknap has Induced IN any great extrdva-
gance IN the way OF house. she lives IN a block
of several dwellings, rather contracted in SIZE.
But the furniture Is beautiful, ana much OF IL
has been imported AZ great cost. She enteitllns
very handsomely. In the sensation Of the hour
she comes IN for large share OF comment,
much OF which Is inNidiOus, OF course. IL is told
that at lunch plrty the other day, she WIS re
minded that Official consequence was short
lived. YES" said she, giving neT pretty throat
asw~n-liko arch, care creatures OF the hour.