Morning journal and courier., 1894-03-07
Tea and Music. Friday, February ?. k1r

Via Sh tina.
 When our carriage drew up at tho en- trance about 5 o'clock We found long line of coaches in the narrow street, ex- tending nearly or quite to the Piazza di Trinita, which is at the top of the ''Span- fish Steps." Various Hveried footmen were lingering about the porte-coohire, or street door. We ascended spacious flight of steps, ornamented with palms, and on tho second landing encountered double row of footmen in attendance. The man-ser- vant-in-charge met us and conducted us to an open door, which was barred across, and where s servant was in waiting to -re- ceiye our outer wrappings and to hand us number of checks therefor, as is the cus- tom at balls.
 A wide drapery hung door to the left disclosed a brilliantly lighted tea table placed before adistant doorway, and one or two guests who were sitting near 1t being served to ices by men-servants. No ladies presiding at the table as is the com mon custom at such affairs in America. Passing through the tea room we found ourselves in an ante chamber of medium sizs, richly furnished, which led at once to the great drawing room or salon, lofty
  geously painted ceiling in the Italian style and great windows hung with heavy drsp cries. The bright blazing coal fire in the generous grate, and the soft light of the wax tapers in many silver candelabra added to the eense of comfort and luxury, which was increased by the sweet perfume of flowers as well. Our fair hostess, woman in her early prime, the embodiment of Tennyson's descriptive line
 "Divinely tall and most divinely fair''
 here cordially welcomed the arrival of her guests, and, with rare tact, moved about among the groups, seeming to consider every ones happiness and to forget all else.
 With great ease and quietness each indi- vidusl is assigned to some group as by a happy accident, and all are quietly chat ting and yet there is no observable hum of voices, nor, on the contrary, the opposite. There is no apparent repression, which always producesa 8 sense of stiffness, but all seem concerned only with those about them and unconscious of the presence of others.
 A.large concert grand piauo and various music stands grouped Dear 1t indicated that there was to be an elaborate entertain ment, end when an Italian soloist began to sing SOthe accompaniment of the piano a delightful selection from some Italian op' era, though conversation was at it's height of interest, apparently, in each group, yet 1t suddenly ceased as though at an en. chanted- wand, and all faces expressed pleasure and eager interest. And at the close soft applause was given, which wa, more enthusiastio when violinist who fl the best musical artist in Rome had con cluded an exquisite solo.
 Later we were escorted to the tea room and then comfortably seated, were served licious ices and Roman punches; also ice6 champagne, tea and various tempting cakes, each sweet variety being served l from separate dish and most prettily ar ranged. In this room we noticed som' elderly men, among them Roman pfies in long black oossack. and some Italian gentlemen, who came in at this late mo mont bringing apologies as they has hastened from another reception given b. ! an Italian princess, to which some of ou friends we afterwards learned had gone having been unable to accept both invita- tions, and the princess's having bee1 earlier of the two.
 We regretfully took our leave some me
 ments later, mentally assuring ourselve
 that If four o'clock teas were 80 delightful | maAaSeo, pi1oS1uS HAtu tuoiu so utte .
 fatigue and 50 much of real entertainment
 and quiet opportunity for conversation an
 real recreation, we should begin to rejoic
 in their reign among us in America. TheI
 was nothing here in the Roman manner An American masters the atmosphere of
 refined American home, good taste, courts sy, absence of display and yet elegance i
 every detail. Do not let mo forget to me1
 ton that the hostess did not appear in ever
 ing dress, but in visiting costume of wo.
 and velvet in one of the old tapestry tin,
 that are so much in favor.
 O. E. CADY.