Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1890-05-14
NEW YORK LETTER.
The Coming of Sprtng--The err o. t"e
Period American Girls and Foreign
NO5iIity--The Tramp aud the Gtrt ana
HO,u They Had Fun With Some Be''ec-
client Gentlemen.
NV YORK. Nav /, 1890.

NEW YORK, May !, 1890.
With the dawn of May lst we realize that
we are in the grasp of beauteous spring, ana
what pomp. animation and harmonious
sound we utilize in welcoming it. The lily
and the rose bloom triumphant, and the
crocus in the city locked square wrestles
with the still searching breezes. Spring
comes like maiden with violets braided IN
her hair singing hymn of congratulation
to the people Just released from the annoy
ances of winter weather, scattering DAISIES
and smiles all about her and casting a look
of thrilling promise out of her meek, but
twinkling eyes. do not know whether the
general exultation signifies that we are glad
it is time to put our winter clothes away IN
camphor, or that we regard the day as a sig
nal for the birds to sing and the good, hon.
est country-folk, with whom we will spend
our vacation, to swing the hammecks and
get piazzas in condition for flirting. But |
am certain that the dew of the grass and the
sap of the trees stole into our blood with the
bright sunshine on May 1st, and the girl of
the period permits her raiment to partake
somewhat of the joy and brightnes that ma
ture is preparing to assume and smiles at the
thought that the buds of summer sport are
now entitled to swell The same girl now
brushes her hair down over her forehead the
better to render the upward Swallowed flash
of eyes immensely effective.
Now, that the ice has melted from her win
ter face, and given place to the sunshine of
spring time, l am ready to follow her through
the poisoning paths of May, the luxuriant
meadows of July, and the sportive surf of
August, promising that the sweet hypocrisy
of her own personality, as well as that of her
sister and her brother, will be as carefully
recorded in its many interesting changes, as
l now record the transformation from bleak
winter to balmy spring. 1t thus behooves
the aforesaid girl not to be too naughty dur
ing the approaching season, which we hail
with so much joy.
If this letter is given over almost entirely
to the fair sex, with their foibles praised or
ridiculed, as they are deserving or undeserv-
ing, l know the reader will accept the only
apology care to ofer-that the theme is an
interesting one.
It's best to refrain from scolding and sat
irizing the American girl for her lack of pa
triotic inspiration and her admiration for
monarchical snobbery, while she is still de-
termined to capture the European aristocrat,
for until she becomes capable of holding
love at a higher quotation than pride, there
is little use of trying to impress upon her at
tention the worthiness of native womanhoOd.
However. | cannot refrain from word in
regard to the marriage of Count Pappen-
helm and Miss Mary Wheeler, at Philadel-
phia, last week. 1t is true that the lady has
only followed the precedent set by several of
her countrywomen, who are by no means so
happy to-day rs they are notorious. sim
cerely hope that this latest bride will not
have to endure such future of mOrtifica-
ton, poverty and neglect as the American
wives of some other foreign noblemen have
been known to submit to; but I cannot see
how her marriage, under the circumstances,
is one whit more suspicious than if she had
bestowed herself and her fortune on some
deserving youth Of the drOwsy Quaker City.
1t may be that she has discovered in the
Count rare virtues and magnetic graces that
drive his nominal nobility from her thoughts
and reveal to her the sterling grandeur OF, |
will not say great, but an honest mans ma
ture This being the case, she is a truly good
and admirable young lady, and is as deserv-
ing of true happiness and the name Of Amer
lean rs any humble girl that marries her me-
chanic lovers and does her own housekeeping.
If on the other hand, she must confess to
herself that the Count is precious to her only
because the novelty, excitement and pride of
being a countess delights and blinds her, she
is then a weak and misled young woman, in
capable of knowing true happiness and I'M
worthy of even a passing comment. IT,
however, there are other young ladies who
would iain follow in the footsteps of this
damsel, | would suggest that
here in New York there is any number of or
gan grinders and walters bearing the same
title rs that of her husband.
Speaking of girls, what funny creatures
some of them arc. heard the other day of
a Young woman who lives in one of the swell
CT parts of the metropolis, who deliberately
practices in front of looking glass what she
should do in case of fire Beside her bed is
placed gown of softest and thickest wool,
lined with quilted satin, with pretty pair of
high fur lined boots to match. With these
dainty garments she has has a hood, for,
perish the thought she wears curl-papers
and therefore must shield her lovely head. |
The operation ofhopping out of bed, into the
shoes, and at the same time drawing on the |
and the hood is quickly accomplish
ed. She then rushes to the window and per-
mits her vivid imagination to conjure up a
thrilling picture of kissing engines, frantic
encased firemen and excited crowds |
Perhaps, after this exercise, she takes 4 cara
mel, gets out of her becoming fire escape"
and turns into her cosy nest with the salts |