Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1883-12-13
UNA ABROAD.
CHICAGO, December eth, 1883

CHICAGO, December eth, 1883.
To The Editor Of tie Eagle.
Never in the experience of your cores
pendent, which extends over period Of
well, it doesn't matter how many years,
women generally are indefinite as to figures
which betray their age-have the streets Of
this great, enterprising city seemed more
| full of life and activity. Turn which way
we will, there are Thongs OF people rush.
ing in every direction, at almost any hour
| Of the day, and naturally, the query arises,
"where do all these people come FROM
State street. the Broadway of Chicago, is
like a vast panorama, aud few days ago,
securing good post of observation, at the
imminent risk of being jostled out of my
position, determined to enjoy the "shOw"
in a leisurely manner. Though lacking the
charm Of novelty, these street scenes can
never cease TO attract me. Matinees in
stitlng halls, where Gods glorious sun
light is carefully eXcluded-the "subdued''
light from gas being prelerred-may have
their deyotees, but give me drama in the
open air-a little smoky though itmay be
where natural characters are unconscious
ly playing their part. A restless, sway
ing, surging sea of humanity, ali what a
study. Stately matrons, elegantly attired,
pass up the marble steps of q ''first class'
dry goods store. They are of the serene
de la creme A little further down the
street, an immense stock Of goods of every |
variety draws patrons from all ranks and
classes. Silvery-haired and feeble grand |
pas pass into the basement, where are |
found all manner of toys and trinkets dear |
TO the hearts of the little folks. On the up |
per floors, mothers and grandmas probably |
find pretty things to combine the useful |
and ornamental in the toilets of the girls,
and If eau read Alright, many of them COM
ing out with great parcels will be glad to
be rid OF the bore OF shopping" and pass
il to the girls afore mentioned. OF course,
from my corner, can't see what purchases
are made, but can do good deal of guess
ing. Some of the young men going into
large jewelry store opposite, look TO the
right, then to the left, as if fearful OF being
pursued. 1t is easy to guess their GRAND
and the cause of their embarrassment.
Young ladies seem to like going alone to
make their purchases. their motive Is quite
apparent. There. pretty blonde has
dropped her parce.and the paper has burst,
displaying Ayes, it is-a smoking cap.
Well, l hope it is for somebody who is old
and too confirmed lover of the weed to
mend. 1t would be too bad to give that cap
to young man. 1t is SO pretty he'd want
to wear it all the time, and 'twould make
him bald, for 1t is SO warm.
How some of the men dodge through the
crowdi wonder If they have learned
that some women have sharp elbows. Men
and women, little and big, pretty and plain
the women, mean, who ever heard Of n
"prctty" man?-all trying to get there first.
Only the young folks can afford to take
time 10 look about them. Dainty misses in
'sMother Hubbard" cloaks, with fair young
faces peeping out from under the brims Of
those guant fancies called skate Greena-
way" bonnets, almost make one wish to be
young again. Tiny midgets Of misses, in
zephyr hoods and aeecy cloaks, prattling
mcrrily and ''hippety-hopping" along
throw out temptation to kidnap, but
wholesome fear Of the law is restraining
power.
What food for reflection one can gather
In few minutes spent In watching pass
ers-by. How the expression Of a face win
linger in the memory, and the tone Of some
strange voice sound in the ear for many
days. ID
My next study will be In some OF the es-
that are calling out the /
crowds, Of whom I've been writing. II in
the rush, / am not wholly extinguished,
may be heard from again. UNA.