Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1884-04-25
Fair Maidens in Retreat.

Fair Maidens in Retreat.
SOCIETY LADIES IN SOLITUDE AND PRAY
Err UNTIL EAsTER-GIRLs WHO SPEND
| THE WEEK IN sEMI-RETREAT-A GUS
TOM WHICH HAS BECOME THE FASHION.
The bells of the Cathedral rang out up
on the balmy Air yesterday and called
the worshippers to afternoon service. The
sun came in through the stained glass
windows and soft rainbow lights swept
over the'bowed heads. The affairs were
draped in deep purple, and in little cur
tanned alcoves knelt many beautiful girls
telling their beads. Some we'll Known
bellies were observed in plain black cos
tunes. without vestige of ornament,
and it was observed they spoke to no one,
and as they passed to enter their carriage
threw heavy veil over their faces.
''Those young ladies have gone into re-
treat" said bystander. "There are
several others, members of the church,
who have gone into converts"
"What is going into retreat?'" ex-
claimed one young lady, who did not be-
long to either the Roman Catholic or the
Episcopal church.
why" said a very pretty young
maiden who goes to the cathedral, "don It
20 uknow the week before Easter is con-
sidered the hottest of all Lent; and many
devout people seclude themselves from
the wor Id, eat only bread and water, and
spend the time in prayer and meditation
They are not allowed to speak and that
it the hardest part of it. But think the
custom is very beautiful one. especially
for girls in society, who have little time
for prayer or religious duties when going
to balls or parties night after night"
1t was learned that the Misses Gilbert,
Miss Marie and Miss Binesse were among
tie young ladies who had secluded them.
selves from the world. They are all very
prominent bellies in society, and pretty
girls. The Misses Gilbert are the sisters
in-law of the Austrian Consul, Hugo
Fritsch. Miss Baylies, daughter of Mrs.
Baylies, of Twenty ninth street and Ninth
avenue, has gone into semi.retreat-that
is, she sees no company and spends most
of her time in the little Episcopal church
over the way. Her cousins, the Misses
Livingston. are also in semi-retreat. Many
young ladies belonging to Father Brown g
High Episcopal church in west Forty
fifth street have gone into retreat.
"What Go they do 20 asked Journal
reporter of lady member of the cathe-
dral, who Ind been in retreat last year.
"Why, 1 went to convent she said,
''among the nuns, whose influence and
gentle words and constant prayers did me
a world of good. The simple life they lead
and their plain dress followed as closely
as possible. Some of our young. ladies
this year have gone to converts and some
remain at home. Most of them go into
retreat on Tuesday and stay until Easter
Sunday.
First they put on plain black gown
without any trimming, but they may wear
a white collar and cuffs if they please.
Then they wear heavy rosary and a
cross. Every morning they get up at
dawn and 60 to first mass or first service.
They take flowers for the altar, roses, lilies
and beautiful white azaleas, and pray for
several hours. They take bread and water
for breakfast and pray or mediate again
until sunset, when they chant an evening
hymn and then retire. In the convent,
you know, they follow the rules. They
cannot speak at all except during recrea-
ton. and then only in Whispers
II should think that would be the most
difficult of all, )" said the reporter.
1T is in the World,'' said the lady,
when you are apt to hear people talking.
but in the convent it is not so difficult,
because every one is silent. Now, the
nuns, as rule, have sucl sweet faces, 50
full of repose, that one cannot say silence
hurts them.
Then there are ladies who 60 into re-
treat to pray for their departed friends
and relatives. Many who have not become
quite reconciled to the death of their
friends SO every year to pray for them.
You have no idea how refreshed and puri.
fed one feels when leaving a retreat OF
this kind. The quiet life, of course, has
a great deal to do with it. If the custom
has become the fashion I am glad of it,
for it is good fashion,"
On Easter Sunday the maidens will
come forth to attend church with their
families. refreshed by their retreat, and
decked in Easter costume and fragrant
fowers.-Neao York Journal.