New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1910-02-27

Informal dining is becoming much more
popular in town, as we'll as IN the coun-
try than more ceremonious functions, the
reason being that much more Is accom-
plshed in the return of favors at mini
mum of expense and maximum OF pleasure
for since the parties are small only con-
genial people need be asked together. Iele-
phones and the automobile are responsible
for many of these gatherings, for with
pleading voice over the wire and car at
beck and call distance is as naught, and
only will need be consulted.
Few elderly women even in supposedly
we'll bred circles dress in accordance with
their years Flop-brimmed hats can scarce
Iy be said to have sufficient dignity for
white hairs. but there grandmothers
not a few who are not willing to forego a
style that suited them In their grlhood
One such was induced to reform by the
remarks Of one Of her gra ndchildren, made
behind her back, but in quite audible tones.
I'VE will have TO excuse granny's clothes"
he observed. land love her just the same,
even if Mrs Blank did say she was crazy.
hope her beaux are all policemen or fire
men. like Maggie the cooks, for they
all brave men and would be nice grand
fathers" As the woman in question is not
vet Atty. she had not realized how deep the
title of grandmother strikes its roots in the
estimation Of the public, and the chld's
innocent prattle was a rude awakening.
Few people really understand the burdens
o. an only son with only one parent living,
particularly IL he is only child as we'll
In the latter case he remains the "onlest
one" until the parent dies. and is treated
much as a very small boy, IN spite of years
and whitening locks. Bachelors are
by no means free agents under such condi-
tons as the parent comes first at all times
If they are dutiful or even polite. and when
illness comes they have as much worry
and tribulation as il they were the heads
OF large families, for they have only
trained nurses and side relations to depend
upon. both elements being more than likely
to prove unruly, rather than comforting.
The matrons and maids of society who
gauge man merely by his eligibility rare
ly pause to think of these things. If they
did thew might he less chagrined over the
non-acceptance OF invitations
Acquiring friends and keeping them Is
the surest way to social success. provided
each friend is hall marked so to speak as
being Of sterling merit and of the right
weight in the social scale Some people
seem born with the knack and right intu-
ition about these most necessary moves,
and no matter where they visit will at once
slip into the charmed circle from which
most newcomers are excluded. When at
hotels abroad or at home they always
stumble upon the notables. and even royalty
travelling incognito will come their way.
On all sides they are smiled on and ap-
proved. On the other hand. there are many
who travel purely for the sake OF meet
where royalty is expected and go to all
kinds OF expense and trouble to dine and
wine each new acquaintance, and Yet are
ever apart. 1t needs a magic touch to open
the portals to friendship and a sympathy
that but few really possess.
The pergoa tea room Is the latest thing
as continuation Of one OF the piazzas or
else quite by itself in the rose garden or
at some spot commanding a view. Here
in all feasible weather the fair chatelaine
dspenses her tea, and there Is an open fire.
place at the walled-in end for cool weather
when frost touches the air. The walk to
this tea room is under n vine hung persoia
other screened by the vines. so that the
least bit of breeze sweeps through on warm
days. An overhanging roof shelters the tea
room. and there is both stone and wicker
furniture. with cushions galore. moro