The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-11-15
D3butGnteS and MatrOns Vie in
Weeks Round of Social GayetieS

The past week vas a notable one,
being marked by the successful launch
ing OF the seasons dehutanteS, who set
sail on the social seas under most happy
and suspicious conditions, The ball at
the country club on Tuesday evening,
which was the occasion Of their formal
introduction to society, was one OF the
largest and most elaborate social func
tons given in Memphis In years and
attracted attention throughout the TIT
States,
The bali, as has been said, was re-
markable for the many handsome gowns
straight from the greatest Of all fash
ion C%enterS, the cost OF some OF them,
II was whispered, running into -four fig
ures. and no one could doubt II, for the
wonderful v~elvets, rare laces and hlmy
tulle sewn with Jewels would have
made the nrinCesses Of all the fairy
tales look like little Cinderella before
the appearance OF her ~gOd-mothcr,
Not only were the gowns exquisite,
but never have debutAntes had such
beautiful flowers, great armloads of
orchids and roses tied with gay rib
hons OF tuIle. lace or h%rocade, which
were carried for a few short hours and
then piled in corners and windows,
there to have their bright petals droop
and fade while the happy young people
were left free for the modern dances,
some Of which require much skill and
grace.
one of the older matrors present,
who has been very active In war work
and IN philanthropic work since that
need was past, was overheard to re-
mark; Il can't help thinking how many
loads Of coal could have been bought
for the orphans and old folks homes II
all the money that went into flowers
for this ball had been spent that way
instead, or course" she added, ~
think these young girls should have all
the flowers and the gay times they can
get while they are young, but | don't
see what a married woman Of my age
wants with n bouquet at a ball
one Of the happiest, most interested
spectators at the bail was NANNY
L.ettie," as she was addressed by young
and old. She knew all the girls and
reioiCed over their pretty trocks and
flowers. She called all the young ma
irons by their maiden names and com.
mented upon the various childhood
traits Of each one as they passed
through the dressing rooms, "Ncs,
honey" she said, when someone re-
marked that she seemed 20 know near
" everyone, II used to know every
body in shelby county, black ana
white" NANNY Is a seamstress ana
has helped mako the frocks for many
OF the most prominent maids and ma
irons when they were children. She has
lived around Buntyn all her life and
| has been employed by many Of the old
est and best-known families In the
city,
with the social season In full swing,
hostesses are again having n most try
ing time with their guest lists. Young
people, without meaning any discour-
tesy. very thoughtlessly neglect to no.
tifv theirs hostesses Of their intention
to be present or not, thus making II
exceedingly difficult to know Just how
many guests to provide for, particularly
II the affair Ia n large one, one Mem.
phls hostess. who had issued about 200
invitations, received only 80 acceptances
but had more than 200 guests, many Of
those invited bringing out-of-town
friends with them. There In an OLD
Persian proverb which very APPLY ap-
plies In this case;
"Three were invited; here come pine,
water the porridge, all shall dine
This IL the curse that hostesses nave
to resort to. when young people forget
their social obligations,
The social season, closing with the