The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1890-01-24

their bread now, but earn the bread of de-
pendent relatives, and theg do it with a
lofty devotion, cheerful patience and sweet
ness that make their lives a daily religion
of example and Of deed. Are these women
ever seen in the drawing rooms of women
whose official places they once filed? Very
seldom. Almost never Now and then one
is asked to assist at an afternoon reception
or asked to an evening party. And yet
so re very curious people are seen in official
drawing rooms-"shady" people. do not
mean unlimited guests. They are invited,
and more Is the pity.
shall never forget an incident of the
beautiful Mrs. Brewster. 1t was at one of
her cabinet receptions that a visitor, new
III riches and new in official position, said:
''Do tell me- are women in that department
received in official society" "Oh, yes"
replied Mrs. Brewster, ''in tone deliciously
sweet and reassuring, II give you my word
they are. Mr.. Brewster married me out of
the department, you know If the visitor
ever prayed that floor would open and
drop her out Of sight, she then did.
This is in striking contrast to the weak
ness of lady in later cabinet circle. She
gave tea very early in the season, and de
string TO ask young woman whose return
she was not quite sure of, she inquired the
| address OF a mutual friend. 'She has Just
gotten back" said the friend, and gave the
address, Later, meeting the young woman
the friend said: "Of course, you are going
to Mrs. BLANKS tea next week" "Oh, I've
not been asked. doubt if she knows I'm
back to town." replied the young woman.
Yes, she does. l told her and gave your
number" said the friend. "And 1 know
| she means to ask you" But the young
woman did not receive the invitation,
| and, OF course, was not at the tea.
Later, on meeting the wife Of the cabinet
officer, the latter said: II was sorry you
were not back for my tea. Had l known
your address, l should have sent a card
| anyhow" Now, here was a deliberate
falsehood, and so stunning in its effect on
| the young woman that she could only bow
In speeches. manner. The truth, as ii
| came out afterward, was simply this: The
cabinet" lady had found the young
woman's card, on which was also the name
Of her sister, clerk in a department. 81
couldn't ask her sister, however nice she is,
and so didn't ask her," she explained to
the friend. No. But she could very de-
| hberately cover her weakness by a false
hood. And she could ask some rather
| questionable people-one a woman, pretty
| well known at the time as an adventures
who disappeared shortly after. But she
drew the line at the department clerk, who
| earned her own gowns.
The late Nine. de Strive, the wife of the
| ICuSSldu minister, was not only the clever
est woman of her day here but the most
fearless of public opinion. Her house was
a social center, and one especially attract
i've to young people. If a man was gen
tleman and a woman lady, they required
no other passport No questions were asked
whether they were working people or peo-
pie of leisure. And the instant they crossed
the threshold they felt they were under the
roof of a gentlewoman of the truest type.
l have heard of but one instance where
her hospitality was abused, and she gave
many very large parties One even
ing young man presented himself
in half intoxicated state. His sister was
in the ball room among the dancers. In a
few moments after he appeared he disap-
peared, the hostess at once and quietly
sending him home. Not half a dozen guests
knew anything about it, for he got no
further than the drawing room door. The
next day, when sober, he received a note
from Nine. de Strive, saying she could not
| ask him to her house again. On the other
hand, she was especially kind to his sister,
who was always q welcome guest. Let me
add that the family had great wealth, and
had been in the social swim" always. But
Nine. de Strive drew the line at the man
| who was not gentleman.