Los Angeles herald., 1907-01-08

At a recent holiday luncheon Of a
well-known woman,s club. two mem
bers In charge Of the seating watched
with interest a tall. thin woman of
possibly thirty-five or forty who passed
by them TO the cloakroom. She was
clad in what might have been the stage
makeup of an advanced woman" the
traditional woman suffragist of the
last century. Her suit of black serge
was the extremity of tailor-made se-
verify. A shirtwaist, stiffly starched,
with black four-in-hand, a mack felt
hat guitless of trimming. and a pair
Of heavy Calfskin boots, made a cos
tune so startlingly mannish that It
did not need the short hair under the
hat to complete the Illusion. She was
the one inharmonious note in very
attractive symphony of color and
graceful outline. Modish frocks and
picture hats, corsage knots OF violets
and orchids. perfume, lace, the sheen
of silk. all sorts of feminine frippery,
were in evidence. The black serge was
off the key.
II happen to know who she is," said
one of the women who watched her.
"She was a class behind me in college,
and a very brilliant girl of remarkable
character. She came to college later in
life than the average student because
she had earned her own money by
keeping books in a Maine lumber camp
for several years. She is now a lawyer
in town. doing very well. and making
some money and reputation. But [ do
wish she wouldn't go to such extremes
in dress" And the speaker glanced at
t,.N,. 10, 80 n N
provingly. Just because she makes
her money in the law rather than by
some less modern method. Is no excuse
for not adhering to the prevailing fash
ions"
But. think" rejoined her compan-
ion. isn't Ii interesting to note that
among all the women here today, most
of whom earn their own cakes and ale
she is the only one inappropriately
dressed? We've nearly all the profess
sions, and even some trades repre-
sented, and not another mannish
creature among u.s."
And it was indeed true that no super
cilious, uninitiated masculine specta-
! tor, had there been one, would have
guessed that these were not women of
infinite leisure.
There is no longer any room for dis
cussions as to the place of woman In
the busy world of affairs. She is there,
apparently to stay, and the attitude of
the average observer is one of benevo-
lent liberation. If not approval. And
undoubtedly, much of the change from
active opposition to friendly tolerance
has resulted from the changed atti-
tude of women themselves. They no
| longer assume the air of beings set
apart from the vast majority; they do
not feel called upon to assert their in
dependence by discarding all feminine
graces; instead they try to emphasize
the fact that intellectual activity is not
at variance with grace and charm.
Two American girls sat facing each
other this summer in a second-class
compartment on their way to Ham
burg. Suddenly one leaned over and
said:
You'll pardon me, I'm sure, but
must speak to you. You're wearing a
pin that marks you as Wellesley girl,
and I'm one. too"
That was introduction enough, and
they were soon in eager conversation,
exchanging notes on college and Euro
| pean experiences.
i've spent most of my summer ir
Vienna" said she who had first broker
the ice, taking course with the bes
nerve specialist in Europe. 1t was fear
fully expensive, and as a result I'm go
ing back second cabin. I'm rather
dreading the experience"
The Woman Physicians Looks
Her new acquaintance stared. Thi!
was the unexpected, truly. This gir
physician She was more nearly the
society type. OF a delicate blonde
prettiness, her blue eyes and curling
fair hair were emphasized and height
ened by q travelling suit of gray anC
hat to match, with a touch of pinl
in the trimming. She was well-bootei
and well-gloved, a girl to be looked al
with distinct approval. And a physi
cian
well, you don't look it," blurted ou
her bewildered confidante.
Not like the woman doctor of ira
dition, l hope but like many others
happen to know she returned. 90.
took a course in Philadelphia after
leaving Wellesley, and now am ply
siciar in a Southern school for girls
But in a year or two. when I'm or
my feet again financially, I'm going t
!