The age-herald., 1901-11-17
BY PAUL PRY.

There is a bright. clever young woman who is still young enough to have heart and mind filled with merry sunshine and tho cheerfulness of outlook which in- variably accompanies the adolescent period; and yet. old enough to be well versed in the wise ways of the world.
 This discerning young woman is bit of a philosopher and one of her pet aphorisms in life is Never look back ward" Her theory is clearly defined and elaborated to her friends until it has come to be sort of religious doctrine with her: for, unlike a great many pre- cepts of other people, this charming little philosopher actually puts into daily prac- tice the theory she so ardently expounds. Such vigorous believer is she that no matter how charming a vista is passed while travelling she steadily refuses to look back" and no matter how price- less a gem of art was overlooked she would protest with .an emphatic shake of her pretty head-"you know l pos sitively refuse to look back"
 It is fascinating attitude of life and one that would gain an innumerable num- Der of followers were it propounded to eager listeners with the same fidelity of purpose that marks the support often given to numberless other theories. It would prove a fine cure-all for the pessi- mistic turn of mind that is oftentmes SD engrossed with the disappointments and losses of the present and past that they fail utterly to find the hope and encouragement which the future holds out But, fine as this theory is in life, there are nevertheless sweet memories or the past that cling to one and beauti- ful mental pictures which are pleasant to dwell upon. And so, although we may all be advocates of the Hook up not down, look forward not backward the ory' we may dwell with pleasure for moment on few of the pleasant pictures retained from the weekly social chapter just closed.
 Social gatherings in Birmingham have not yet reached the period where they become perfunctory and lifeless; unenjoy- able erushes characterized alone by an effort on the part of one host or hostess to outshine in extravaganza. and display the entertainment furnished by some less wealthy and less capable neighbor. So- cial assemblages in Birmingham still serve the worthy purpose for which they were intended-the mngling in good fel- lowship- of hosts of friends and acquain- tances; the interchange of cordial greet. ings between friends who have been two occupied with the prosaic demands of life to meet possibly upon less formal oc- casion: Such pleasant gatherings, called forth oygthe genial coinaraderie and hos pitable good will of host and hostess are productive of far more pleasure and gladness than possibly even the happiest guests is aware of. For the sweet inter- course, and the memory of beautiful women and handsome men. the music and flowers and gaiety remains with one and sweetens and dignifies life when the wearisome and strenuous duties have to
 
 Such a happy occasion was the gather ing of the social set on last Tuesday evening at the always genial home of Mir and Mrs. William A. Walker. That society was in its most cheerful and happy frame of mind was but natural sequence of the elegant and fashionable toilettes which were so largely ia evi- dence. Among the many beat. fully gowned women on this occasion were Mrss' T. C. Bush, who was truly regal In toilette of pink brocaded silk, elab- orately trininied with duchesse lace set off with black poppies.. Mrs. Alex T. London was notable in a gown of dres- den lowered silk with touches of tur- quoise. blue velvet Mrs. Allen w. Has kell was stately in toilette of heliotrope panne-crope with real point lace and diamonds. Mrs. James Bowron wore a beautiful gown of white brocaded silk. Mrs. Jack Johnson was handsome a toilette of black net over yellow silk '4:;h trimming of blue velvet. Mrs. Susie Clark was imposing in white satin with deep f1ounces of rare point lace. Mrs E. w. Barrett wore an exquisite gown of blue panne-crepe with lace. Miss Annie Smith was most winning in white, with Raglan of maroon silk velvet edged with, ermihe. Mrs J. D. Moore was stately in gown of grey panne-crepe with real net and touches of yellow vel vets Miss Bessie Jemison more lovely gown of white satin and white point detprft Mrs. A. o. Lane wore black toilette with jet sequins. Mrs. sallie Conner Blount was charming in white elaborately trimmed in lace. Mrs. Ross Smith was most fetching in gown of white silk with Raglan of black silk vel vet trimmed in ermine. Mrs. Harry Matthews wore a toilette of pink brocade and tissue. Miss Elizabeth Shelley was regal in a gown of pink etamine silk. Mrs Rufus Rhodes wore a handsome toilette of Nile green voille. Mrs R. H. Pearson wore a gown. of heliotrope silk with trimming of white Mrs Henry Grey WAS in white with trimming of real lace. Mrs. John Tomlinson was stately in a gown of renaissance black lace over white satin Mrs. William H. Ket- tig wore a gown of yellow panne-crepe with accordian pleats. Miss Florida Graves was beautiful in rose-colored crepe with persian embroideries. Miss NaDD was DecOmlHBly SOWIeu III pioSh net. Mrs. Alexander Maben Hobson wore gown of white satin and lace. Mrs: Nat Miller wore a beautiful toilette Of blue. with touches of white. Mrs. c. $. Simmons wore gown of white brocaded silk, with corsage bouquet of pink or chids Mrs. Felix Drennen was queenly In gown of grey tissue with touches of pink ,panne velvet. Mrs. Richard Randolph wore a toilette of black net with touches of cerisse. Mrs. D. Fl. Caba- miss was gownen in castor shaded crepe with accordian pleated ruffies. Mrs. William Duncan Nesbitt was in white with touches of green. Miss Carrie Sharpe wore becoming gown of blue silk. Mrs. Mac. Drennen was handsome In black and white costume. Miss Mig non Conner was most attractive in pure white. Mrs. Louis T. Bradfeld wore a handsome gown of persian mule and black lace. Mrs. G. c. Ferrel was hand some in black with touches of yellow Miss George Weatherly was charming In red. Miss Nelson of Selma wore a beautiful gown of pink silk Miss Helen Ehrman wore stylish gown of lavendar panne-crepe. Miss Thomas of Nashville was handsome in a toilette of blue eta mine silk.