The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1891-01-15

cleaned in her hair and corsage, an,
a fan and boquet completed the mag
nifcent toilette. Mrs. Harrison, afte
deliberate consideration, decided t.
omit shaking hands at her receptions
possibly it seems less cordial than tn,
greeting offered by her predecessors
but it is surely less fatiguing. Her man
ner is graceful and pleasant. Next tc
Mrs. Harrison stood Mrs. Morton
whose dress was the perfection of good
taste and elegant simplicity-a white
satin, high corsage and long sleeves
trimmed with old venetian lace; pearls
twere in hernia !. and about her nee
The next in line was Mrs. MaKeee in
robe OF pink brocade, draped with
crepon, embroidered in the same
color and trimmings of coral and
gilt passementerie. Mrs. Dimmick,
who is still in mourning, wore dress
of black sicillienne trimmed with jet.
Mrs. Russell Harrison wore Paris.
ienne dress of satin stripe pink silk
The bodice was cut low and about her
throat was necklace of diamonds.
But now, description must cease and
the Imagination have full run. Take
all the colors of the rainbow, with all
their infinite gradations in shade and
tint; take all the rich materials such
as queens delight to have woven into
royal robes, and, good danes, you wilt
have some idea of the magnificent
toilettes that graced the white house
reception New Years day, 1891.
While social enjoyment was at its
height, an alarm of fire was sounded,
and quickly the news spread-"Secre-
tary Blaine's house is burning" The
report was true in part; it proved to
be the secretary's house near dupont
circle which was rented a couple of
years since by Mrs. Letter of Chicago,
and was pronounced one of the hand
soonest residences in the whole city.
Only the week before Mrs. Letter,
magnificent,y attired in lace AM wear
ing coronet of diamonds, stood in
her elegant drawing rooms and re-
ceived the guests who attended her re-
ception with cordial grace. Then
came the devastating fame like fiery
demon laying waste the whole interior
and many thousands will be expended
before its beauty can be restored.
The pillows are dashing high on the
social sea, and "the buds" are bursting
into full bloom in many households.
One of the debutantes last week was
the daughter of Commodore and Mrs.
N. H. Farquar. The conventional
"tea" at which presentations are now
made, was largely attended and the
fair maid was the recipient of num-
berless congratulations.
Miss Wanamaker's breakfast in
honor nj her Philadelphia guests at
IL 80 O'clock the day after New Year
was an elegant affair. Eighteen
covers were laid and the table
were violets and orchids,
with delicate vines Of asparagus. At
each cover was placed a yellow satin
box painted in violet, and inside was
a bunch of "the modest little flower"
covering layers of bonbons.
Under the holly and m;stletoe Miss
Daisy Garland, daughter of ex-Attor-
ney General Garland, gave german,
which was danced with spirit by
twenty five happy couples. The
favors were unique, and the supper at
midnight all that could have been
desired.
IN THE CL0ISTER.
Impressive religious services were
held at the Georgetown Academy of
Visitation on Saturday, Jan. 3, when
Miss Mary Abel, daughter of the late
Mr.. A. S. Abel OF Baltimore, babe
good bye to the world with all its sweet
and embraced the white veil
IF the sisters of the convent. Bishop
Curtis of Wilmington delivered the
sermon in an impassioned manner III
the presence Of Cardinal Gibbons and
many distinguished fathers of the
Catholic church. Miss Abel, clad in
bridal robes and surrounded by
the nuns, stood just behind the
grating which separated the sanctuary
from the cloister, and in the midst of
the laurel and rose glrlands, the ex-
uuisite lilies in their snowy robes were
not purer than the fair novjtiate who
waited the coming of the bridegroom.
At the close of the sermon, Cardinal
Gibbons asked in solemn tones:
"What dost thou demand? Declare
tby will in the presence of this assem-
bly,"
Tremueously yet distinctly the re-
ply came: ;,
Zone thing have desired OF the
Lord; this do 1 now ask, that | may
dwell in this house OF the Lord all the
days OF my life" /
Then followed the celebration OF
mas. at which the candidate assisted,
having cast aside her bridal robes and