The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-05-30

world. 30 many things conspire against
perfect opportunity, 50 many things are
necessary 10 make one, that they should
be looked upon az duties In my instance,
Il shall be regarded as a happiness. AS
well, for you have kindly given me the
chance TO recall myself to my Virginia
friends by gossiping with them concern
ing Gotham. and what she has TO offer In
the way OF spring pleasures and fash
ions.
THE BICYCLE AND VANITY FAIR.
The bicycle Is paramount. All a. Vani-
" Fair. one by one. is putting aside its
prejudice, and regardless OF hurting Its
"amour propre." as well as It's anatomy,
gives the steel Pegasus n trial. 1t Is ru-
mored that Eighth avenue Is TO be re-
paved up and down, so as TO enable the
dignified lawyer. the ponderous banker.
and the nervous stock-broker. the ia
cility OF riding their bicycles TO their re-
spective Offices. in lieu Of safer rapid
transit, If my dress-makers. milliners.
and boot-makcrs live in asphalt districts,
/ use mine, in place of poky street-cars,
crowded stages. or expensive cabs.
TEA AT cLAEFMoNT.
The bicycle tea at Clarcmont last week
was a rallying Of the -Four Hundred. The
majority of the women were too clever
and too vain to 20 on their wheels, as
the day was warm, and red faces and
Precipitation are not conducive 10 love-
illness.
Whereas the rlany beautiful and varied
costumes, enhanced the charm OF the
scene that would be hard to surpass.
Nearly every one knows what beautiful
spot Claremout is. Situated at the end OF
Riverside Dive, with magnificent view
OF the handsOmest river in the world,
the Hudson. The reflection Of the soft
sfterglow of the sunset on the water the
light green of the budding trees, the
deeper tint Of the velvet grass the fresh
pretty flower girls, with their wicker
trays Of nosegays. hing around their
necks by every colored ribbon, made
picture too exquisite ever to be forsot-
ten by those who were fortunate enough
10 be present i noticed Mrs. Van Rens-
sclear Cruger. the now famous julien
Gordon, in light pearl pedu he sole,
made with soft clinging white, with a
violet bonnet and a violet parasol. This
wonderful woman looked My thirty
though 1 was informed by an old gentle
man. who had always known her. that
she married in 81, and was now hfty-four
years old. The popular Mrs Eeevc-Mer-
rift nee lovely Leila Roosevelt. was sur
roul led the entire afternoon by women
as well as men, 10 Is generally believed
that she is the heroine Of tho Diplomats
Diary"
The handsomest gowned woman was
Mrs William \. Perry one Of the clever
est and most hospitablc women in
Gotham. 1t Is believed that Mrs. Perry
viii fill Mrs. Paran Stevens place. mas
much as she IS one of very few who
Is clever and independent enough 10 hold
Salon. Mrs. Perry was gowned in an
exquisite lavender and piette importation
Of Flynn and Daveys, ! resolutely mem
ton this firm as Mrs. Davey is an old
Richmond girl. who came 10 New York
only ten gears ago. without friends and
without backing, ard by her energy, in
tolligence, honesty, and artistic taste. has
established the largest. "smartest" and
best lwtronized couturieres In the city
She IS to be found at east FOrty-hrst
street. All good (and 7 might add rich
Nirginians should patronize her.
MFIBA II CoNClRr
The astounding piece Of news has come
10 us that Media, who is gifted with
the finest soprano voice this world has
ever produced. viii give up opera for
the concert stage next winter, by the
advice Of AdOmoWski. who has caused a
like panic in the musical world by his
resignation from the Symphony Orches-
ira, whore he had the honor to be the
first violin ever since its reorganization
AdomowsN will manage Madame Melba's
tour AprOpOs of artists. Chartrains
life-like portrait Of the sonsuous naughty
Calvc as Carmen. is still on exhibition al
Knoedler d Co.. formerly Goupils No
one should fail TO see IL who visits New
York.
Mrs Reginald de Kovens new book
the "Sawdust DOLL" has disappointed all
her friends who had the right 10 expect
.jsomething different and better, after
reading her pretty translations and short
stories. The novel is a poor sample of
the erotic literature Of the day
Mr., Mansheli's new theatre. "The Gar
rick" is so far a success. He produces
legitimate plays with good actors, and
actresses; the seats are comfortable. the
lights most becoming. and last but not
least we patient women can wander about
between the acts, and find out for our
selves the pleasure the men see I'm It,
for Mr.. Mansfield has built a sumptuous
POmpoiian receptiOn-rOOm, with every de-
vice for our ease and a miniature restau-
rant attached TO tempt the material side
Of our natures.
FASHIONS As A DFNHFIr.
What shall I say about the fashions?
I cannot eXtol them. The present styles
seem 10 he invented simply for the benefit
We martyrs resemble powdor-puns and
SAKE Doiies" rather than foddesses ana
fairies The skirts are round and full
averaging ten and twelve yards in cir
conference the sleeves are larger and
broader than ever. the hats with wide
brims and donkey-ear bows make up
whole not pleasing 10 the artistic eye.
Tho ubiquitous black skirt is essential
20 tvssry woman's wardrobe Crepon
end bagging. both in silk and WOOL are
the seasons leading materials and very
pretty and effective DO they look. SO far
they are not cheap enough 10 look very
common; and they have one defect, which
should induce economical women 10 Sc
lect other materials as dust traps. they
may be oqualled, but they can never be
surpassed.
Not long ago n young married woman
was ripping up her wedding gown in order
20 have il dyed, when. 10 her surprise.
she found numbcrlcss tufts Of hair sewn
within the hem of the skirt. There was
hair Of every color there-fair. auburn,
chestnut black, gold, red. etc The lady
mentioned this TO the dressmaker. "Oh."
said the dressmaker laughing. that's
often the case. Every girl who works at