Evening star., 1914-08-23

season and occasionally at Newport. The
Boulton grounds, covering more than halt
block, were especially adapted for such an
entertainment. 1t was now late May, and
the gardens would be one mass of bloom.
made my arrangements in New York, and
was fortunate enough to secure my decora-
tors, my caterer, my master of ceremonies
otherwise my head butler), with corps of
under servants, footmen, etc, and an or
chestra, while other accessories were natur-
ally hired in Madrid.
THE great day arrived. The town was in
festive array, with flags flying, bands
playing, and rousing welcome for the Emil
nent Parsonage and his junketing party
from Washington, which included my friend
the Senator, several State Governors, Con-
gressrnen, department officials, and train
load of dignitaries and notables. The Emil
nent Parsonage laid the cornerstone, made
an excellent speech, highly spiced with poll
tics, and then with the company assembled
went to luncheon.
The program for the afternoon comprised
the semiofficial reception at the home of
that leading citizen and local hero of the
day, Albert Boulton, Esq, on Calumet ave-
nue. l think there was not single absentee
from that function. l saw among the first
arrivals the redoubtable General Conger,
who made himself most agreeable to the
hostess, Mrs. Boulton. The Merrick Con-
gers, l heard, had gone to Chicago, and
there was some little comment as to their
was always to the front. To see and to be
seen-that was her rule of life. l held my
peace and let the world wonder.
As for the reception, l had given my tai
ents full rein and in all my experience had
never been more successful, not even for the
famous fete 1 had planned in Paris, on the
occasion of the visit of the Gar. If l do
say so, it was "corker, and it made history
in Madrid.
Mrs. Boulton surprised me. Without
coaching, she was as to the manner born.
With the Eminent Parsonage at her right,
and surrounded by the big guns, she re-
fag-decorated marquee on the terrace, over
looking the Italian garden.
Among the novelties that l sprang upon
Madrid was the Continental system of an
nouncing the guests. From the garden en-
trance at Calumet avenue, up to the very
steps of the @throne," there was covered
and carpeted passageway, lined by double
row of footmen in the new Boulton lveries.
A majordomo took the admission cards of
the guests and called out their names in
ringing voice. AS they advanced by grad
other majordomos repeated these names,
as if in an antiphonal service.
At the dais itself a master of ceremonies
(another English idea) announced them
to Mrs. Boulton, who made the presenta-
tions. Then they were free to circulate
around the gardens, through the house, and
to the Conservatives, where refreshments
were served. After this many fingered and
@loafed" about the throne.
WHEN the reception was about over,
w and it seemed as if most of the State
were crowded into the Boulton grounds, i was
obliged to GO down to the corner of Calumet
avenue to make additional arrangements
about the traffic. A motor had just de-
posted at our gates my old Washington
friend, Mrs. Andrew Marvin. Her husband
was in the suite of the Eminent Parsonage.
She was much f1urried when she saw me,
and was trying to have her motor recalled.
Mrs. Marvin had not been at the reception
but she was looking for her husband, and
offered her my arm, and before she knew it
she was within the portals, whence there
was no escape.
Il have not my ticket" she murmured
HAnnounce Mrs. Andrew Marvin" was my
order to the majordomo. @This is the best
way of finding your husband" Her name
went booming up the aisle. We followed,