Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1900-02-08

bureau of social requirements two
years ago, it was distinct novelty,
and New York people looked askance
upon it. For awhile Mrs. Stevens
found things very slow in the dainty
rooms in Forty-second street, which
she had equipped for her new purpose.
But Mrs Stevens is not easily daunted.
She knew society needed just such
conveniences as she was prepared 10
offer, and she waited and worked until
society came to know it: too.
Today there is scarcely household
of social pretensions in New York city
that has not come to know Mrs. Ste
yens, and to call her name blessed.
She is everything from bootblack to
ehaperon, from intelligence officer to
guest, from counsellor to critic, pro-
wider of servants, guests, entertain
ments, decorator of people and their
homes. a dispenser of information and
of elegance.
Mrs. Stevens is also an aristocrat:
otherwise she couldn't afford to be a
bootblack. She is a direct descendant
Of Gov. Stuyvesant, and some of the
families in New York decorate the
branches of her family tree.
Mrs Stevens entertains very plebian
views about labor, however. She does
not consider that it casts any shadow
over her blue blood, and the blue
blood, she contends, certainly doesn't
hurt the quality of the labor. In her
particular line, it is great help
If Mrs. Stevens had not been born
and bred a gentlewoman, reared In the
environment which made her familiar
with all sorts of social requirements,
she would not now be in position to
sell her knowledge.
1T is knowledge of every sort, she
said when seen by reporter, and
it is not only to peopie unfamiliar
with social requirements that | am a
necessity. True, the people who ac-
uuire money and wish to know just
how to spend it, without making
breaks form a large part OF my eli
entele; but l have also found some OF
nv best successes in the homes Of
those people of wealth and refinement
who know as much as l about the
niceties of life, but whose duties IN
society are greater than their time
and strength can accomplish.
What are they? Why, everything
that pertains to entertainments. IL the
hostess who is to give large dinner
PARTY or reception at night has dozen
teas on for the afternoon, musicale
for the morning, luncheon, a stop al
the tailor's, cards to be left and an
swered and a hundred other duties
she cannot do her own entertainment
Justice. can she? So she SENDS Tor me
I do lust as much or as little as she
wisnes. If she wishes me to take
charge OF everything | do it
cone thing | have cultivated above
all others is the power of perfect man
agement. like to take complete
charge. can carry hundred details
in nv mind at once; the decorations
the menus, the arrangements OF
CHESTS. the favors and the wheels thai
90 round behind the buffers pantry
and in the kitchen, and upon whlc1
the success or failure of dinner de-
pend.
How much? 1t does not greatly
matter. If you wish to invest 30 o.
& 600 in an entertainment l can ad
wise Won how to get the best and mos
for your money.
..To what do attribute my success
To being able to do all the things ina
| order other people to do. l believe
have tried everything.
Mrs. Stevens laughed and looked
less businesslike.
II can even polish boots. When de
cided to supply that accommodation
for nv women patrons you can't very
we'll stop at street corner for th'
purpose. l followed my usual custom
and took a few lessons in bootblackint
uvself Not that / had any idea o.
nolishing boots, but knew l shouiC
have to criticise the boy who did 1
for me. and there is little use In find
ing fault if one can't supply the rem
edy.
II can scrub a floor to splendid
whiteness. for I've demonstrated IT. U
course it isn't just to my taste ana
did it TO prove that it could be done
There's a real art even in fisor-scrus
bing. have carpeted rooms and huns
paper
Il believe the only thing that hal
ever brought me up with real suddel
turn is a shirt bosom. ! shall neveI
attempt to give instructions in tina
line. bow to the woman who car
launder a shirt.
Yes, believe can aid people Z
get into society If they had plent!
Of money and go about spending !
right it isn't any harder in New f'ri
than anywhere else.
"One of my pleasantest duties
Cling the chaperon's place. In
Young folks, you know, can stand
great deal more excitement than IN
: elder ones; and II the chaperon fail
q. a critical moment it is very com
fsring to say. We'll get Mrs. Stevens
and find the services Of some one Q