New-York tribune., 1907-04-14

bridge has completely captiVated the smart
world As the engagement books of ultra fashioi'-
able women VIII testify. Almost every function
noted therein now that the opera season Is
over shows this game a part Of the enter
iainment Women who have never before taken
any interest in cards this season fonho
among the enthusiastic hostesses IF bridge
Even an informal dinner means a table or two
Of bridge afte1axard and ir every house where
a dance or evening musical is given a room Is
set aside for the guests who prefer TO spend
their time at cards rather than take part IN the
cotillon or listen TO some operate star
A luncheon followed by bridge is perhaps the
most delightful form OF entertaining 1t Is eS-
trenaely popular with The summer residents OF
some Of the country club colonies The games
are played on the wide, shady verandas' ana
the luncheon is frequently served at the card
tables. The prizes for the summer parties are
far more frivolous than those for the formal
affairs in town. and the chances are that some
articles Of apparel viii be among Them. such as
silk stockings lace parasols and lingerie hats.
The hostess does not usually play herself. but
visits from table TO table 10 make sure that her
guests are enjoying themselves. and just before
the time Limit for playing expires she takes 10
each l1le the prize 10 Ire awarded. The fad OF
the moment is 10 have the prize tied no with
ribbon the color of the flowers used on the
luncheon table. Previous 10 the departure Of
the guests servants enter with trays of flowers,
which are distributed 10 all and which in
measure serve as consolation prizes Mrs
Henry s Redmond. Mrs. Stuyvesant Fish and
Mrs Frank Keech. all of whom entertain fire.
auently with bridge. are renowned for their
choice of unique and lovely prizes. The prizes
at many Of the formal bridge parties are most
costly jtEEelry rare pieces Of china silver vases,
f,.n T1Hf AN
only a few OF the eTticles selected by hostesses
curious custom is The alacrity with which
seasoned players hasten 10 change their prlzeS,
and the present Gay hostess. being aware or
their intenton. frequently informs the fortunate
ones that their prizes can be changed naming
the place where they were purchased
Another method adopted by many who win
prizes at various parties, al of which have been
made at the same sversn'iths. S. is 10 return
mem promptly and have them credited until an
amount is reached sufficient to obtain some one
larger ornament. which is naturally composite
Of associations.
AS means Of raising money for charitable
purposes bridge is an important factor, and
many games are played at the Waldort-Astorla
and SheETy's by which institutions receive
larger benefits than through any other method
of subscription.
Smart Bostonians do not consider bridge OF
much Importance as do the fashionable peo-
ple of other cities. They play the game with as
much seriousness. perhaps. but they spend con-
sideraby less money on prizes With the idea
of making hospitality the chief feature Of an
entertainment, they provide elaborate refresh
Tnents and prizes that are calculated TO appeal
more TO the good taste Of the winners by thelS
prettiness and usefulness than by their costli-
ness
Card playing for money is not universally ap-
proved by hostesseS. Those who frOwn uDOn il
convey their disapprOVai 10 a few intimate
friends and the latter are IN honor bound 10 tell
other guests who. ignorant Of their hostess
prejudice might be likely to suggest a game for
points. Other- hOstesses who look upon card
betting leniently have card tables especially
provided for the fair gamblers. This plan is
sure 10 relieve many an awkward situation.
For instance, one woman with conventional
principles, finding herself with three others who
are determined 10 set a stake their game
will ind il difficult 10 refuse TO be carried"
without iacurrlng their enmity. On the other
hand II she gTaciOusly consents 10 play in order
that the Others may fully enjoy the game, she
not only foFfeits her own pleasure. but is con-
sciOus of having retrogTaded from her standard
of right But for the young man and woman
with average income, il is a serious thing to
lose a. a game into which he or she has been
drawn Hnwillingly- Many Of the best known
girls in society have an allowance sufficient
only for their clothing, club dues and cab fares
and to them card debt is in the nature of
calamity, for suCh obligations considered
debts OF honor and must be settled promptly.
A visit 10 the head Of the house for reimburse
snent or an increase of the monthly allowance is
sure 10 bring speedy reproot. as the reason for
the shortage in funds must he explained. Even
the modern father, IT is averred, dislikes 70
have his daughter gamble. preferring that her
amusements shall be OF a less exciting nature
while he is her guardian.
The young man more often has to face his
debts alone and there have been many recent
instances where accumulated losses have
brought about dlshonof and suicide
The young matron who meets with run OF
bad luck il in difficult position, too unless
she has fair fortune Of her own II she draws
from her housekeeping stipend the tradespeOple
soon begin 10 dun for their money, and II she
has sold her Jewels or had them replaced by
paste (Which IS whispered Of more than one
woman in the social whiTl) she is in constant
fear OF detection untn she IS in a position %
reclaim her gems.
There are other women, however, on whom
fortune seems always 20 smile, for they are con-
E-sr1iy SaU-i-g cherished new possession
that has been bought with their winnings
The disputes that arise at bridge are frequent
ana occasionally serious 10 disrupt friend
ship Of many years standing. The woman that
loses her temper easily Is not pleasant as a
partner or as an adversary, and she IS soon
Enubbed by those who have seen her pro-
.vOkef. II is a curious fact that no matter how
carefully members OF a bridge whist club may
he teiected with a view TO cOngeniality some one