Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-05-31
MRS. CHAUNCEY DEPEW SEES TIE POSSIBILITY
OF THE SALON HERE AND URGES ITS ADOPTION

mansion on the corner of 18th and n
streets in a tiny room which opens on
a court. Mrs. Depew has established her
boudoir. 1t is dainty and exquisitely ap-
pointed as its mistress Here she spends
her time when social engagements do not
press over her embroidery frame. Here
she sketches her patterns and outlines
them on the linen or silk which she has
selected, and here she passes what is
generally considered good working day
with her needle.
Mrs. Depew has just finished a lovely
little picture frame OF white linen encir-
cled with true slovers' knots in electric
blue floss. The knots wind in and out
most gracefully and wreathe the photo
graph The outer frame is silver and the
whole Is artistic and unique. Another
of her recent triumphs in embroidery is a
summer scarf for mantel or dresser. also
o: fine white linen. The PATTERN is ir-
regular graceful scallop done in fraise
silk and beneath all is filet net. which is
cut out in insets and gives rich and beau
tiful appearance. Cloths for tea tables,
napkins. towels. handkerchiefs. hundreds
of such trifies claim Mrs. Depews atten-
ton. and to see the result o. this win
stole the time to attend to any other
avooation.
Music is another pet occupation of Mrs.
Depew. and a French piano is nearby her
boudoir. Il studied for over six years
in Paris and am deeply regretful that life
In Washington is Incompatible with keep
ing up ones practice she said Il have
now given up singing except for my own
amusement. Music is the most absoI D.
ing of all pursuits. and, like the biblical
parable. you cannot serve this god. or
rather. goddess. and Mammon. You must
give up either one or the other. l was
forced to give up my music or get on the
ta'booed list for neglectine my social du-
ties. Embroidery can be picked up at odd
moments. and follow the rule of many
women of my acquaintance to keep my
fingers busy even during receiving hours
Mrs. Depew is a tower of erudition
where languages are concerned French
sh., knows as we'll as her mother tongue.
and part of her education was received in
Dresden in order to perfect her German
accent. She has faithfully continued her
German studies and belongs to circle for
German conversation. Italian she studied
when cultivating her voice. which is
rich mezzo and gave promise of great
compass, had she continued her practice.
Spanish and various dialects of the ro-
nance tongues she has mastered herself.
Il think it was my interest in the salon
which inspired my love of the romance
languages" explained Mrs. Depew. almost
inclined to palliate her deep pathological
studies. Il was reared partly in d con-
vent and convent girls are generally given
to romance The gay ,troubadours ex-
pounded the subtle metaphysics of love.
and the study of their songs seemed
delightful occupation. l am fond of the
troubadour music, and have rendered
many Of them in different keys in addi-
ton to translating the verse. but all for
my own pleasure. never with the inten-
ton Of seeking literary laurels. / once
gave much time to the poetry and music
Of Provence. and a knowledge of this
country which gave birth both to chivalry
and poetry naturally influences one who
seeks connection between the salon and
chivalry"
Add to the charming qualities which
love of music poetry and intellectual at
tainment infers that Mrs. Depew is one
of the most exquisitely gowned women.
and another of her delightful personal at
fractions is understood. Mrs. Depew un
derstands the fine art of correct dressing
as we'll as she does the others equally
necessary for supreme social leadership.
In appearance she resembles Partisan
Of the most aristocratic type. but her fin
cry seems as adaptable is the petals of
a flower. She looks most distinguished in
evening raiment. and this year she affect
ed the empire fashion almost exclusively.
With her premature gray hair, her slender
figure and regal bearing. she seemed a
part OF the era Of powder and patches
and crinolnes rather than Of the prosaic
twentieth century period of Marcel waves
and jumper effects. Mrs. Depew is noted
for her broad philanthropy and her en-
deavors to aid all worthy causes in the
in 81 oh ca1lf,