The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-02-19
THE WOMAN or FAsHI
what the Lentern Days Allow and What
Forbid.


Forbid.
Lent came upon us this year before we
realized It. We had just gotten well into
fascinating, bewildering round Of gayety
| when somebody called a halt, and we were
obliged to stop with such a sudden jerk
that 1t has made US feel uncomfortable
ever since. We are usually given an op-
portunity to gradually accustom ourselves
to the change, but everything is about two
weeks ahead this season. and we accord
ingly forgot all about the fact that the
sober. quiet days for meditation were
| right Upon Us.
But we Americans are so very adaptable
that it has taken US precisely three Gays
10 get over our surprise. and to send our
thoughts in quite a different direction.
end now the girls have stopped talking
about the possibilities Of the hoopskirt
and are giving all their attention instead
to the cutting OF aprons and dresses and
pettieoats for the poor. You would never
guess. could you see them gathered around
the table piled high with coarse stuffs,
that they had not touched such things
for months. They are Just as particular
about the cut and the seams and the neat
stitch as II they had no other interest in
the world, and they will accomplish a
WDbuCil4l NhNoC SCfNA phoJ
weeks.
But It isn't the only thing they do.
There is loophole not very small one,
either, by which they can edge in con-
siderable gayety in very harmless man
ner The afternoon tea Is such a very
inoffensive means OF entertainment that
II has not been placed beneath the ban,
and you may so TO a tea every day with
out provoking adverse criticism Here
to- Ill
there happens to be one, and converse
more confdentially In the fading after
noon light with your most particular male
friend than in the crowded ballroom.
And IL the tea be given in your own home.
or II you be one OF the favored few Sc
lected TO assist your hostess in pouring
tea, you may even, with perfect propriety.
wear pretty home gown, cut rather low.
with elbow sleeves. Then you will get
such opportunity to display all your sweet
graces as has been afforded you at no
swagger evening affair Of the winter past.
Therefore, take heart. my pretty maid.
and make the most OF your opportunities.
Would you look particularly fascinating
at one of these affairs, so different now
from the tea that once was, with tiny cup
and plain cakes? Then find out, II you
can. Just what sort OF a one your hostess
viii give. II IL is to be a color tea, dis
cover the tint and gown accordingly.
DO not match the shade unless you pour
tea but dress In such color as will blend
or effectively contrast with your sur
roundings. For instance. does the tea
assume a pale. old rose tint? Then wear
a dull blue. Is IL gold? Get out your
purple costume. Is 1t delicate green?
Wear darker greens or soft browns. /
have In mind very beautiful costume In
old blue bengaline. velvet and lace that
,~f-
The skirt is blue bengaline, with q single
tiny ruffie at the foot. Above the RUNE
Is a row Of small velvet puffs, put on stiff
and straight, with no joining. The bodice
has a pretty white mousseline de sole
front, full, narrow and pointed In at the
waist line. At each shoulder there 10
3 small plated seusi-collaretts OF blue