Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1879-03-26
COURT BALLS AT ROME.
A Brilliant Season---Her MaIestY's Beau
tifuI COstumes---An AcknOwI-
edged King.

Philadelphia Telegraph's Rome Letter.1
1t has been a brilliant season in the
gay world of Rome. Never have the
court and ambassadorial balls beer
more splendid. The second and
third court balls were very gay anC
gorgeous. The cotillOn favors count
for a great deal at balls in these ex.
travagant days; so of course the
Quirinal favors have been most ele-
CANT and plentiful, and every young
girl has been able to carry off valua-
BILE memory of her first court ball
At the first ball there were three
large silver trays full of handsome
silver bangles the lowest priced one
cost 80 francs. At the three balls
beautiful ribbon badges were distrib.
uted; these were a quarter of a yard
broad one time they were satin, very
heavy and double sided; at the last
ball they were heavily-watered rib
bons, also double sided they went
over the shoulder, across the breast
and back, and hung in long ends.
Bonbonnieres and handsome bou-
quets Of natural flowers we're also
given at the first and second balls at
the third ball there were bouquets
and garlands Of exquisite natural
flowers and little porcelain vases
which, like the bonbOnnieres, had the
royal chiffrc enameled upon them.
The decoration of the royal stair
case at the third ball was very fine ; it
looked like a hot-hOuse; on either
side was a hedge of azaleas and came
lias in splendid bloom. In the first
antecamera the servants, instead of
being in the usual red livery, were in
blue velvet and silver, with powdered
wigs aud knee -breechcs, of course.
As | told of the ugly dress her ma
iesty wore at the Teano ball, | must
clear that royal lady's toilette fame bv
reporting the beautiful costumes she
wore at the second and third court
balls, At the second ball the fond of
the dress was the clearest softest blue
The petticoat was of rich, thick faille,
with garlands of artificial flowers
across it these flowers were rich au.
mn-browns, coming up to a soft red
The train was very heavy brocade
The flowers were embroidered on it in
such high relief they could almost be
picked of, and their shades were ex-
actly like the garlands across the front.
On her neck was a superb diamond
necklace, the queens fayorito among
her many ornaments. On the head
was broad bandeau, diamond fringe,
with center ornament of diamonds.
AT the side, near the back of the
head, was a cluster of creamy. soft
ostrich feathers, with flowers like those
on the gown. The whole dress was
most regal and beautiful. A lady
whose age and rank accorded such a
freedom of speech, complimented the
queen on her toilette. Her majesty
replied. " Yes, it is very beautiful.
| often wonder if am right to be so
fond Of dress, and to admore some of
my Jewels as do now, for this neck
lace | have real true liking"
What woman is there that will not
sympathize heartily with her majesty
of ltaly-especially if she "has had
her own fling, as the Scotch say? 1t
is so natural for young woman to
love pretty clothes, and jewels, and
gayety. Henri Quatre wished every
peasant in his kingdom could have a
fowl in his dinner-pot; | wish every
young girl could go to as many merry
dances as possible, and have pretty
gowns and jewels; she will have a
mellower old age if she has had a
happy youth.
Over twenty halls we're thrown open
and Illuminated for the Quirinal balls.
Maccarl 5 ceiling in the tapestry-rom
looked like pagan heaven the
Palm-ro0m beyond was most pictur-
esque. Unluckily the supper-room
has but one entrance. The King of
Italy is not distinguished for tact.
More than once during the royal balls
he stood perched on the high heels of
his little boots in the center of this
only doorway holding at bay a horde
of hungry doWagers. No one can pass
royalty You must back out of an
opposite door, that is your only mode
OF escape from mortal majesty's pres
ence.