The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-04

chocolate and lifting the skirt OF heI
brown walking dress ever so slightly that
a glimpse Of her tan silk and black lace
petticoat might not be lost upon her APP
preciative audience.
All Of you. ! think. heard her dilate on
the charms Of a wonderful new blue gown
she intends purchasing and al OF you, OF
course. know that it was only two years
ago that she were crepe to her heels for
the admirable. incompatible late Back
Bay"
You don't mean to say?" broke in Miss
Chicagoese.
Wei. I mean to say" went on Mrs
Van Knickerbocker, that only yesterday
the widow came in to call and for the first
time | appreciated that Mrs Back Bay is
a distinctly pretty woman and what was
even more to the point, exquisitely dress
ed. Her hair was charmingly pompadour-
ed. her hat was a toque, one Of the love
lest hyacinth coiored chiffon affairs in the
shape of a coronet ribbed about the crown
and edged on the brim with pipings OF
black straw Flaring up from the front OF
the crown stood a bow made Of chiffon
and straw and two loose punches Of VIC
lets did effective duty, one in the centre
Of the uprolled crown and one snuggled
artfully down in the region Of the left
ear. Upon this she had drawn a veil of
the exceedingly fine black silk tulle that
for dressy occasions takes precedence Of
the coarser Russian nets and is orna-
mented not with big black disks at long
intervals but tiny lace circles set on to
the net very far apart. The effect OF the
hat and the modish veil was undeniably
bewitching.
Il was particularly enthusiastic over her
Elton coat OF pale tan cloth clipping her
pretty. slim waist very close. It's perfect
Toundness was shown on to advantage by
three unlined fitted oapes. spreading out
upon her shoulders. The collar of this
tempting novelty in spring wraps was
high haring. lined with pleated tan
chiffon. and right under the chin two fiimy
scarfs OF chiffon Joined ends and then fiut-
.ered well below the waist line. Her
cloves were suede, matching her coat pre-
Idsely. and one little hand was thrust into
4 muf OF tan chiffon pulled and puckered
onto a foundation OF cloth matching the
coat and further enhanced by two bouquets
OF fresh violcts Two bouquets, my dears-
what do you gather from that bit Of evil
dence when the possesscr Of the bouquets
goes suddenly into colors and her cheeks
wear a glow not altogether due to brisk
walking or cold spring Winds
Have you the least idea who he is?"
asked the hostess.
well. answered the detective in brown.
Il have my eye on one young man, and to
think OF poor dear Back Bay, such a fine
fellow to be so soon forgotten. What short
memories some women have. and do you
know she told me not six months ago. with
a touching CULVER Of her Lip, that the bal
ance OF her life would be devoted to writ
ing his memoirs" sigh for the short
comings OF Mrs. Back Bay went round the
room ard then the hostess spoke up en-
quiringly;
"Can anyone tell me for what purpose all
those big floss fringed silk and PANIED
have been introduced that |
/ see everywhere and what is going 10 be /
the quality CT the new foulards?"
'Hark to me" replied the girl from /
Chicago. spreading a flmy bit OF white 1
1ambriC on one knee and setting thereon |
her crisp cOoly. Those Handkerchief |
hose big fellows. a foot and a half square I
are intended for the Identification OF 4
smart spring theatre and house waists. |
They are fringed and figured for use in |
with panne or taffeta OF a solid /
tone. and usually form the sleeve, cape, |
revers, collar yoke cuffs. etc, and the |
is something TO I'LL the heart /
Df the besuty-lover with joy. AS TO the /
'oulards the very highest satin finish you 4
an get brings you nearest the acme OF |
,artorial perfection. Big, bold designs. /
srge leaf patterns, broad undulating bands /
4 color, and very daring contrasts charsc-
erie the foulards just now, instead OF
1olka dots and Dresden sprays.
II I have read the augurs Alright" she
continued. there is sure to be a craze for
lear apple green straight through the sea
on. My tailor assures me that it Will be |
he perfection OF taste for skirt Innings. /
nd yesterday | apostrophised with all the
idmiring adjectives at my command a re-
eption gown OF apple green liberty satin
elieved by decorations of Persian figured 1
ianned ribbon and black velvet. The whole
costume was accordion pleated and with a
Ugh black velvet collar. girdle. and no
nds on the skirt. it had for the moment
10 rivals in my sight.
My tailor. by the way, IS a remarkable
erson for his prescience so far as feminine
rills are concerned. and he tells me that
affeta and velvet are sure to be extern
lively used in the Easter dressmaling.
ras even accorded a glimpse Of bewilder-
ngly lovely pale tan velvet walking dress
or a famOusly rich belle. A coat and skirt
o wear with coral pink or a pastel blue
hirt. and the velvet was trimmed with |
titched straps OF cloth OF tan tone while
haki brown lace faced the coats reyers.
Another glimpse ] had was OF a dove
-rey velvet skirt and coat and suit
trapped beautifully with black taffeJa. and
he coat was gorgeous with its buttons OF
mother OF pearl, having each a catochon
merald sunk into the polished pearl cen
re- OF course. I exclaimed al the eX-
ravagance Of these gowns. but when | was
old that the new velvet for tailor suits is
specially woven to stand wear and
,eatacr without the least loss Of lustre or
attening OF pile. / began TO wonder il |
light not invest in such suit myself and
nd il q positive economy
It's all very well for you young slim
FEATURES to talk OF the coat and skirt |
nit" walled Mrs Van KnickerbOcker.
The days for such comfortable dressing /
re done FOR me, so when ! dropped in on !
ny man the other day I resigned myse ( TO
gown OF ceremony. and, realizing every
ound OF This too solid flesh. I selected a
andsome variety OF heio,rope cloth
trapped with white tai1eta and finished
bout the hem, collar, sleeves. and revers
-ith very pretty feather punishment.
as fur but light as ostrich
Tunes, in deeper tone OF heliotrope than
BY suit itself IL goes almost without say
lg that ] have a sash attachment fas- J
med al the back by two pearl buttons :
olding amethyst bulIs-eyos aud knotted
/ trent with fringod ends falling well be- q
Nv the knees"
In all OF which tasteful array you viii :
utshine any one Of the slim young I
iings. no matter how smart her velvet q
lit may be" hatteringly insisted the girl q
'cm Chicago, as The proracted meeting
Dund the tea table broke up ifs magic ,
rcle.