Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-08-30
LAST DAYS AT WARRtNTON
The Throng Of Visitors Increasing Rather
Than Diminishing.
Unique and Interesting Entertain.
ment Illustrative of the Madf Gras
collection of Horse Portraits.


Special Correspondence of The Evening Star.
wARRENTON, Va, August %, 1897.
The gay throng of visitors, instead OF
diminishing these last days of summer,
seems to increase each day at this popular
resort.
The most unique and interesting event of
the season was the carnival which was in
apgurated Wednesday morning and closed
Thursday night. Mrs. Thomas ]. Semmes
of New Orleans, who has a beautiful coun-
try seat in this place, was the chief pa
troness of the affair, which was designed
to give an idea of the mardi gras which
has contributed so much to the social fame
of the crescent city.
"wednesday at IL o'clock Rex and his
ureen, escorted by the lord high chamber
lain and the Duchess of Belair, the hrst
lady in waiting, drove through the streets
in a carriage of state, drawn by ntue
ponies. amid the acclamauons OF the PEG,
pie who had gathered on the lawns ana
verandas along the route to greet them, as
became loyal subjects. At the Town Han
they received the keys of the city, whose
gates were forthwith thrown open to re-
ceive them, with merrlment ana soou
cheer for two days and two nights.
The features Of this novel entertainment
were the tableauX each evening at the nail.
The first showed Rex and his court the
second represented the coming of Flora and
her beautiful bevy of handmaidens, who
threw flowers in the way of the king and
uIeen: the third was represented by IL
tania with her fairies, who came bearing
gifts, and lastly all three tabieauX were
grouped in one superb spectacle
Nearly sixty children took part, repre-
senting dukes and duchesses, fairies ana
flowers in the most perfect manner. pro-
cession was formed, which led from the
stage and made circuit of the hall. Hex
was impersonated by Master Pierce Walms-
ley, an imperiallooking youth from New
Orleans His court dress vas magnlncent,
consisting of white satin doubiet gar
nished with gold and silver iyalloon and
gold fringe The vest and sleeves were OF
cloth of gold. He wore long white SILK
tights and gold shoes, ana SNORT cioak oi
cloth of gold respondent with spangies.
gracing his shoulders. His crown was OF
topaz and gold, while a necklace ana belt
of r1hies set in gold adorned his neck and
waist.
Miss Virginia, the pretty daughter OF
Mrs. Murray Forbes of Warrenton, as the
queen. wore a beautiful gown OF white
satin entrain, richly trimmed win race.
Her crown, girdle and stomacher spanked
with rubies and diamonds. The dukes and
duchesses, pages ard jester, ike the royal
pair were all costumed in the style which
prevailed in the period of Henry OF Ma
varre The flowers wore dresses fashioned
to counterfeit the particular flower by
which they were designated, and were led
by Flora, a rose, who was the attractive
little daughter of Mr.. William Brooke of
Norfolk.
Titania, in white and silver. was imper-
sonated by Miss Elizabeth Gaines. reputed
to be the loveliest child in Warrenton, who
is the daughter of Col. Grenville Gaines.
She led a battalion OF beautiful fairies,
clad IN every color of the rainbow. When