Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1879-04-23
COurt-BalIs at Rome.
Philadelphia Telegraph's Rome Lette

1t has been q brilliant season in the
gay world of Rome. Never have the
court and ambassadorial balls been
more splendid. The second and third
court balls were very gay and gorge
Gus. The cotillon favors count for a
great deal at balls in these extravaganza
days; SO of course the Quirinal favors
have been most elegant and plentiful,
and every young girl has been able to
carry OFT valuable memory of her first
court ball. At the first ball there were
three large silver. trays full Of hand
some silver bangles; the lowest priced
one cost 80 francs. At the three balls
beautiful ribbon badges were distrib-
uted; these were a quarter of yard
broad; one time they were satin, verv
they were heavily ribbons, also
double sided; they went over the
shoulder, across the breast and back,
and hung in long ends. Bonbonnieres
and handsome bouquets 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 bonbannieres, had
the royal chiffre enameled upon them.
The decoration Of the royal staircase
at the third ball was very fine; it hooked
like hot-house; on either side was a
hedge Of aZaleas and camellias in
splendid bloom. In the first ante
camera the servants, instead of being
in the usual red livery, were in blue
velvet and silver, with powdered wigs
and knee-breeches, of course.
AS l told of the ugly dress her Ma
jesty wore at the Teano ball, I must
clear that royal iady's toilette fame by
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
autumn-brOwns, coming up to a soft
red. The train was a very heavy bro
cade. The flowers were embroidered
on it in such high relief they could al
most be picked off, and their shades
were exactly like the garlands across
the front. On her neck was a superb
ulbIllOlld IlSChIdCc, Vic queen . IdFOr1Uo
among her many ornaments. On her
head was a broad bandeau, a diamond
fringe, with a centre ornament of dia-
monds. At the side, near the back of
the head, was cluster Of creamy, soft
ostrich feathers with flowers like those
CD 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: ayes, it is very beautiful ]
often wonder if l am right to be so
fond of dress, and to admire some of
my jewels as [ do; now, for this neck
lace [ have real, true liking"
Over twenty halls were thrown open
and Illuminated for the Quirinal balls.
Maccarri's ceiling in the tapestry-room
looked like pagan heaven; the palm
room beyond was most picturesque.
Unluckily the supper-room has but one
entrance. The King of Italy is not dis
tinguished for tact. More than once
during the royal balls he stood perched
on the high heels of his little boots in
the centre of this only doorway, hold
ing at bay 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
malesty's presence