The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1900-11-15

"Our audiences are warming Up 10 US
better than ever this season. Why. In the
last theatre we played in before coming
here. they warmed up so that the day af-
ter we left the house burned down. Last
year, you remember. we aroused such
storms of applause that cyclones followed
In our wake. Next season, suppose, we
shall provoke such foods OF tears that
huge tidal waves will engulf the cities
honored by our presence; but, rest as
sured. II won't be for any reason than
because we may make them laugh until
they cry. No pathos in ours. thank you
only the sunny side OF human nature for
u.s." and Evie Stetson laughed that
whole-souIed, hearty laugh that makes
you laugh when you see Janet Melville
and Evie Stetson on the stage at Keith's
perhaps not for any reason that you
know OF, but just because she laughs.
It's a rare woman who can make you
laugh in truth and In spirit on the stage
and perhaps Il is because these two clever
women, undoubtedly the clevsrest and
most versatile team" OF our sex on the
American stage, hayf the true gift OF
humor spontaneous Sild keen, yet al
ways refined, that enables them with ease
to maintain q place In the favor OF vau-
devills audiences where would-be rivals
can only look at them through long-dis-
tance telescopes.
Bu. have you seen their gorgeous new
gowns7
thought thosesof last season. % they
were. the greatest ever; but ! doubt if
anything like these, either in elegance of
artistic taste or striking combinations of
coiors, have ever been seen either on or
of the stage.
Won't you let me see your latest Pa
ris!an 'dreams? +" asked, after Evie
Stetson had sprung little private joke
on me and then proceeded 10 cavort
around like kitten in
Did you ever eee an elephant dance?
Well, you'd forget II II you saw-well,
let 1t drop right there.
Now. don't say Partisan. my dear"
broke in the business end" OF the
team" "our thorough Amsricsnism is
one of the things we pride ourselves on !;
that is not entirely American. Whatever
you or others may think, ] tell you that
no modiste in Paris or London can pro-
duce anything to compare with the Am
ericAn article, either IN gowns or in mil
linery; and 1 don't hesitate TO assert
that cur new costumes prove IL beyond
contradiction"
And so they do. But confess Il. was a
mighty revelation to me, that such mag
nificent gowns wcre really and truly all
American.
'wouldnt they make you swell with
pIids?" interposed the mountainous Ev,e,
evidently amused at my wide-open eyes
staring Ia blank astonishmcnt
For heavens sake, don't" remarked
Janet. IF she Ia an example of what
pride can do In the swelling line Why,
last year the ordinary tape measure
would go around her. Now. she has to 60
out OF her dressing room when she wants
10 turn around. Why. the other day, she
saw q friend ahead whom she wanted TO
speak with. She hurried along as fast as
she could; but-wouid you believe it?-the
only reason she caught up with her was
because the friend went entirely around
the block and overlook little Evie."
And then-well, perhaps you can imag-
Inc queenly Janet and voluminous Evie
In q mix-up; but certainly ] won't at
tempt to describe II, although / guess my
laughter was heard by that silent young
Adonis on top or the State House dome J
When the campaign WIS over. ] was
permitted to inspect those gowns, and l
don't believe feminine eyes ever enjoyed
a richer treat. And to think that they are
sll from original designs furnished by
the wearers. displaying q breadth OF
artistic taste and q wonderful clevernees
In combining the greatest extremes in
color and materials without the slightest
violation Of refinement or offence to good
taste.
One beautiful gown is Of silver cloth,
applioued with ranne velvet in American
Beauty roses OF VARYING shades and dot
ted with dewdropn in rhine stones and
real diamonds. Vines and green leaves
trail all over the skirt In hand cmbroid-
cry, and at the bottom are small rufflcs
In three shades Of the velvet In rose tints,
the skirt oeing cut to give the French
pointed effect to the back. The same
three shades of velvet adorn the waist.
one side OF the bodice being embroidered
with American Beauty roses, the neck be-
ing mildly decolette and the half sleeves
trimmed with superb Duchesse lace.
To match this gown. which is worn by
Miss Melville, Is another for her frfsky
partner Of soft. ciinsing black crepe dc
chene, embroidered In different shades of
autumn yellows and green leaves, with
dewdrops of jewels. Tho waist, of rather
severe type. is plain on one side with
three shades of velvet In folds. the other