National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1886-01-23

iue WcSh III sOClely mas Deeu more re-
marlSable for the events that did not take
place than for those that came of. II has
been period OF mourning-heartfelt and
tear-bathed-for the lossIof Miss Katharine
Lee Bayard. The very heavens here seemed
to weep for her untimely departure. In
the sad gloom Of that event, society stands
aghast at the sad truth that the brightest,
sweetest, and gayest OF her bellies lies silent
in death. All testify to the extreme sweet
ness Of her nature and the marvellous
acuteness and activity of her brilliant intel
lect. Had Miss Bayard resigned the hurly-
burly and rush and excitement Of society
for the quiet and retirement of literature,
her work would have dehed the corroding
advances Of time and stood foremost in the
libraries of the future, and in those of the
present as well. But she has
been taken away at the very thresh-
hold of possible achievement. The
last look the world had of her
was fitting farewell for her. The Friday
evening reception at the house Of the Secre-
tary OF State drew together q most brilliant
assembly. The rooms were fairly packed,
and Miss Bayard stood at the entrance to
the drawing room In her dainty toilet, well
table princess that she was. There was
slight look Of pain or fatigue In the lovely
face, and that peculiar pathetic expression
that was seen sometimesla the mouth,
all understood now. And then, when the
last guest departed, she went away to the
silence Of her own chamber and was seen
again neyermore. Through all the active
scenes Of busy life she loved so well aud
sympathized with SO entirely, we shall never
see her shining face again, not until the
clouds have rolled back and the heavens
parted like scroll. She Is one OF
those who make eternity delightful
anticipation. All, she is better of, but to
the household Of which she was the central
light and hope, with all the sweet and
tender relations Of 1.-THE invalid mother,
the poet-statesman, and the dear brothers
and sisters-may the dear Father In his all
plying mercy send a balm TO their painfully
riven heartstrings. She was too bright for
earth, and yet we did so need her here. She
does not leave behind her In society an in
tellectual peer. She was courageous of soul
and body, quick to discern and espouse the
right, and then defend II to the end. II
was well that the world saw not the dead,
sweet face in Its ermined drapery Of white
cloth. We shall always remember her as
the incompatible hostess, the incarnation
OF ladyhood, and the true and unwavering
friend.
&c
The projected gayeties Of the week were
Tor the most part postponed and no end of
dinners, teas, and reception invitations were
declined by prominent official folks. Ladies
who made calls or saw their friends wore
toilets of black for the most part. Mrs.
Speaker Carlisle and the ladies OF the Cabl-
net did not hold their accustomed levees
on Wednesday, and Mrs. Macallister Laugh
ton recalled her invitations for Wednesday
evening. Miss Cleveland secluded herself
from callers, and IL was only at the earnest
request OF Secretary Bayard that the invl-
tations to the diplomatic dinner were not
recalled.
There was little disposition in the city for
gayety on Monday, but Mrs. Justice Blatch-
ford and Mrs. Cummings and Mrs. White
and Miss Waite had crowded houses.
On Connecticut avenue the elegant draw
ing rooms Of Mrs. Sheriff., who was as
sisted by Miss Jennie Sheriff., were thronged
during the afternoon. The ladies at the
Ebbitt House were at home informally, and
at the Riggs Mrs. George L. Seney, Mrs.
Dorsey, Mrs. Starr, and Mrs. Porter saw
their friends. Mrs. SpofIord, who has with
her that able veteran Of the woman's cause,
Miss Susan b. Anthony, attracted many
visitors. In the evening usual bad spell
OF weather set In. The theaters had draw
ing performances, aud Mrs. Letters superb
salon had Its complement Of brilliant peo-
pie. The house, like all recent residences,
was built for sumptuous entertaining and
most marvelously does 1t fulfill its destiny.
The broad stairway, the high-ceil1d, we'll
ventilated parlors, wide halls, and the
princely dining room combine to make II
essentially hospitable, and Mr.. and Mrs.
Letter contribute the personal individuality
that is needed to complete the charm OF the
splendid mansion. IL is house for the
daintiest dresses, as there is no fear of get
ting them dragged to a string, the spaces
are sc ample, and so the reception was in
every respect the ideal fete.
The Army and Navy Club gave pretty
german, and the lovely toilets Of the ladies
and the brave bearing Of the men showed
to fine advantage in the anchor figure. The
fayors were silver stirrups and May-poles
with bells.
e@s
The tea given by ex-Justice and Mrs.
Strong and Miss Julia Strong ON Tuesday
was most recherche affair. They, too,
have spacious house and charming hos
pitality. Mrs. Strong and Miss Julia re-
ceived in toilets Of black brocade. Miss
Dawes and Miss Cullom presiding at the
tea table, and sitting In the light OF pink
shaded lamp, were both looking charmingly.
Mrs. Pollok, Mrs. James Carlsls, Miss
Bradley, Miss Janin, and Miss Randall also
assisted with the pleasant entertainment.
This event marked the return of this de-
lightful family to society after period Of
mourning, and was therefore a doubly well
come occurrence.
Ladies at the Portland, Mrs. Judge Mac
Arthur and her charming friends, Mrs.
Judge Bentley, OF Colorado; Mrs. James l..
Campbell, OF Connecticut avenue, and
others, were atshome, and there were sew
eral luncheons, theater parties, and sup
pers; and at night the chief justice held his
third card reception, which drew out fine
representative attendance of men and
women. Mrs. Waite wore a plum color
satin dress with passementerle garnitures
and point lace. Miss Waite wore q simple
costume of China silk, combined with
claret velvet. Among other distinguished
persons present We're q goodly number OF
ihn mnmhnra Of tho DhIn hnlnHntin,, II 10