The Adoration Of Phil.

Free Lance, Volume III, Issue 118, 4 October 1902, Page 12

The Adoration Of Phil.

(B\ Ladi Violei Uremll^in M.A.P.)

PHIL CAREY lit Ims pipe for the hundredth tune that day (Phil's pipe was always going out), clapped his hat on his head, and made room far a lady to pass out of his studio. He was distinctly good-looking— a man after women's hearts — and women loved him. They invented all kinds of pretty little pretences to come, and see him , they wanted their pictures painted, or tihey wished for his advice, or they had some wonderful suggestion to otter, or they had asked to be allowed to wash his " brushes— this from the models and the girls in a humble position of life. The ladies asked him to their parties, and gave him the entree to their operaboxes. Phil smiled to himself. He saw through all their manoeuvres, but he liked to feel their environment ot goodwill around him. He owned a number of men friends, too, but the women were in the majority, they quarrelled over him, bothered him, wasted his time, made love to him, or slaved for him. Phil was tolerably impartial in the midst of all this adoration. His fancies' were short-lived one week it was the turn of some bnlhant-com-plexioned brunette whom he took out, talked to, and painted in every attitude: the next week a fluffy little golden-haired fairy fluttered about the dingy studio, making the old rafters ring with her frivolous laughter. Ladies in society came to tea, and sat rapturously listening to his talk, but he went on his cheery way, cased in indifference nice to everybody, oaring for nobody. Though no girl could claim to have heard words of love from him, yet every mrl believed she was the one woman tor Mm The strange situation grew strained when occasionally some y°™ig lady began to care violently for Phil Tempests awoke the calm waters ot studio life, but, after a plentiful flowot tears and reproaches, things quieted down again. His worshippers discussed him amongst themselves. _ ... <1 wouldn't care," said Esmee Smith, tihe brilliant young soprano, "if Phil would only make up his mind, but 1 do hate male flirts." "Yes " answered Rose Milford, whose black eyes kindled passions in the breasts of men, "he's so abominably nitee and so beastly undemonstrative— a man's no business to treat all women alike." , A Then they whispered together, and threw angry glances at Jessie, whom they were pleased to term his latest flame, the statuesque model, ox-eyed and placid, who had posed for his Academy picture. ... "She's a mere nobody," Esmee said, with a toes of her head, "and lives in some tumble-down place at Battersea. "And she hasn't a decent frock to her back. I've never seen her in anything but that old black alpaca." Phil went his own way notwithstanding the strictures of the ladies, and took Jessie out to dinner rendering her supremely haippv and the others wildly jealous. Jessie was not a brilliant companion. She had no "conversation," as Esmee phrased it. She knew neither the names of the newest actresses nor the faces of the pretty girls in the picture papers. She had read next to nothing, tihere was no room for her in the house of gaiety , and the sayings and doings of smart people left her cold and indifferent. Simplicity was the principal trait m her character ; her beauty was to her only a means of living. If one had a straight nose and a well-shaped ohm, one could earn one's bread, and please the painters who wanted you as a model. Jessie enjoyed going out to dinner with Phil. Her face was so beautiful thait people forgot to look at her dowdy alpaca, or notice the worn kid gloves with frayed fingers that covered her finely-modelled hands. The stuffy atmosphere of the little Italian restaurant and the noisy presence of the overworked waiters flitting about with impossible pilesi of dishes, were a neverending source of delight to her. It was nice to sit quiet, time being no object., and look at Phil opposite her scrutinising the bill-of-fare judicially, and ordering a) flask of the best Ohianti. The macaroni tasted delicious, the veal was tenderness itself, and the ice cream perfect. Phil smiled kindly at her. He showed no jealousy at the broad glances of admiration offered her by darkbrowed foreigners, and never minded when her lips Darted to show the snowy teeth in hearty mea-riment at some of his bon mots, at which everybody looked round, for he was just as brilliantly amusing with the simple model as when seated in fine company at some big and wealthy house. He was always himself — gay, breezy, irresponsible, and kind-hearted, which perhaps explained his fascination for women. They admired though, they could not understand him ; he irritated while he attracted, and contrived to combine suppers and parties with the society of well-bred women and politeness.

To Jittle Jessie, who was no student of character, and somewhat obtuse of intelligence, he appeared as a god with every god-like quality It did not surprise him that everyone loved him, or that, he was undemonstrative to a degree that diove other girls nearly mad. AH at once a cloud appeared on Phil's bright horizon. He began to complain ot headache when he worked at night sometimes a strange dimness came over his eyes, which ached constantly. His friends looked at each other. Phil ill ' Phil unable to earn the money he had hitherto thrown about so lavishly ! He lay on the sofa, pale and inert, a mere ghost of his former self. "What would do you good is to be roused and come to the seaside for the concerts with me," advised Esmee Who was singing at various marine resorts.^ "No no, what Phil wants is quiet, interposed Rosa. "I know it . I'm awfully gjlad myself sometimes to sit still and do nothing; " "With somebody to help you. added Esmee stingindv Then, the door opened, and .Lady Appleby entered with a majestic mean, and the rustle of silk skirts. Phil rose quickly. "My dear Mr. Carev — not ill, I hope how dreadful that would be." "Oh deiaa- no, I have only a slight headache." "I'm so clad for I want you to come to us on Thursday. Such a pleasant patrty, that delightful Secretary of State Mile. Bernma, the opera singer, who is so difficult to get, you know a new violinist quite a boy, but such a genius : and some of the prettiest grrls in London. Come, you must promise Lady Appleby scarcely realised that people could have anything to do but come to h&r charming parties. Phil thanked her, and promised her, but he never went. He was really ill, a.nd suffered terribly from his eyes. Work became impossible, orders were neglected, sitters went from the door. One by one his friends fell away (nothing weeds out friendship so much as continued illness and want of spirits), ladies still continued to send him flowers, and called to inquire but the charm was gone. He knew himself to be a broken melancholy man. One day a gentle tap came to the °"Come in," said Phil carelessly— no visitor mattered much to him now. A pair of beautiful eyes looked anxiously at him. "Oh, it's you, Jessie— I'm afraid I can't give you anything to do just now." it "I know — you're ill — that's wnv 1 came— l thought I might be of use' "I can't paint," said Phil sombrely, not looking at her. "But, mayn't I stay with you? "I'm bad company — and don't want to talk." , , "No, of course, I understand; — but I could sharpen your pencils and just put coals on the fire when you forget " "It will be deadly dull for you," said Phil, waverine, yet with a faint desire for human sympathy "Thanks, then I'll stay," and Jessie threw off her hat. Thus the strange companionship began. Every daiv Jessie came. They spent hours together , he querulous yet grateful, she, quiet, but adoring. Gently, but gradually, she permeated the atmosphere of the studio with her presence, seemingly unnoticed by Phil, yet, in reality, becoming a part of his life, silent when he wished it ready to talk when he was in a conversational mood. As time went on they wrestled with poverty . they laughed at hunger , they enjoyed merry little impromptu meals on the slender provisions Jessie brought, who was as willing to run necessary domestic errands as to pose artistically draped as a oroddess. Nothing was too serious or too trivial for her simple faith. At last the atmosphere cleared. Phil's eyes recovered their sight, the sitters returned, the flutter of peticoats, the thnll of laughter were heard again in the studio. Jessie shrank into herself once more , as the others grew merrier she became more taciturn and reserved. One day she skewered on her big hat with a long pin, and, standing with her hand on the handle of the half-open door, looked wistfully at Phil. "Good-bye, Phil," she said qmetlv "Good-bye, Jessie. Come back soon when you've time," he answered carelessly, his back towards her. "When I've time," she repeatedly quietly. Something in the tone of her voice startled Phil. When other women left him they generally made a scene. He turned ouickly. "Jessie' are you going? Where are you going?" "To sit for Mr. Martin's picture." She was drawing on her faded old kid gloves, her black alpaca dress hung limply round her limbs Phil noticed that she was thinner, and that the

curves of her figure were no longer so ample. "Jessie, why need you go?" he said again. The girl hesitated. "Stay, Jessie, stay with me always — I—lI — I love you." Then Jessie's composure failed, and her tender grey eyes filled with tears. "Oh, Phil, and— l " Her voice broke , she finished the sentence with his kisses on her lips. The news that handsome Phil had married his model provided all the studios with gossip for a week. "Suoh aai undemonstrative man, too," coried Esmee oale with anger. "How she must have set her cap at him, the designing little minx!" "I always thought he would have done better for himself," sneered Rosa, "but the cleverest men are always the greatest fools."

Lady Ward gave a small At Home on Monday afternoon, as a farewell to Miss Fraser her guest, who returned to Dunedin on Thursday. One always enjoys themselves at Awarua House, for, with a charming and gracious hostess, •fchere is never a dull moment. Beautiful flowers were arranged everywhere on this occasion, and the tea-table, laid out in the breakfast>-room, was very much admired. The centre was of eau-de-nil satm, on which were arranged tall vases of narcissi and pretty cupids holding large clusters of primroses. The whole effect was softened by trails of lycopodium and shaded lights. The sweets were of the daintiest description, everything one oould desire being obtainable. * * • The dininp--room was besieged by pingpong enthusiasts, and many exciting games of "progressive" were enjoyed. Miss Eileen Ward sang and played delightfully. Miss Fraser and Miss Joseph also entertained us with their playing. Lady Ward received in the corridor, and was beautifully gowned in white silk exquisitely tucked, with crossed bands of ecru insertion, transparent yoke of fine spotted net, and a large black velvet chou. She also wore some beautiful pearls and a handsome necklet. Miss Ward was in white, ai pretty frock, with a pale blue sash. Miss Fraser also wore white silk, with touches of blue. * # • Some of the guests were Mrs Jeffcoat, wearing a black gown, with black coatee, and hat with tips. Mrs. Samuel wore an electric blue costume, and hat to match. Mrs. Gilruth was in a pretty gown of black voile over glace. Mrs. Malcolm Ross was in black, with blue vest, and black hat, Miss Joseph, a blue frieze costume, Mrs. W. Kennedy, a blue tailor-made and hat to matoh. Miss Heywood looked nice in a grey voile skirt, and smart glace coatee, cream lace vest, and black picture hat with bandeau of lace. Miss E. Heywood wore a tucked glace coatee with dark skirt, and becoming black hatt. Miss Skerrett wore a green striped silk, with yoke of lace and black velve t^_a striking gown— and a pretty black velvet hat with turquoise blue. * * « Miss Haselden was admired in a scarlet skirt cream silk blouse, and picture hat. Miss Scully looked smart in black, with ecru insertions, and hat with cream. Miss Stafford lo 9^f d well in scarlet, and a large bat. Miss O'Connor wore a rough grey cloth gown, and hat with scarlet , Miss Dyer, a pretty green voile fawn, and American hat with black velvet. Mrs. T. G. Macarthy wore a very becoming gown and pretty hat. * • ♦ Mrs. Field entertained a large number of guests at a most successful At Home, at her pretty residence, the Terrace, on Tuesday last. The house looked charming with quantities of lovely flowers arranged in every nook and corner. Delicious tea was laid in the dining-room, the table being most artistically decorated with tall vases of narcissi and bowls of primroses. The most delicious sweets and tasty sandwiches were handed round by Mrs. WUford and the Misses McLean, Stafford, and Chaytor. * • * Mrs. Field received m a graceful black gown, relieved with white. Mrs. Hodgkins was handsomely dressed in black. Lady Ward was admired in a striking black gown, with white lace vest, and a black hat with tips. Lady Stout was in black and white, and a stylish and pretty hat with black velvet ends. Mrs. Richmond wore a handsome mantle, with a black gown. Mrs. Heaton Rhodes looked charming in a brown cloth skirt, beautifully cut, and a Russian coat of panne velvet, the hat to matoh was brown, with panne velvet and dull-red roses Mrs. W. Watson wore a sealskin coat, and black skirt, boat-shaped hat with Maltese lace. * » « Mrs. Wilford wore a pretty white silk blouse, and black voile skirt, picture hat with tips. Miss McLean wore a blue frieze costume, and velvet hat and her sister was in a navy costume, scarlet vest and hat. Mrs. Collins wore a black gown, and black hat, relieved with pink roses. Mrs. Rhind wore black and white ; Mrs. Stafford, a handsome dull green costume, with velvet collar and a beautiful vest of handpainted roses on gauze, and toque with violets. Mrs. T. G. Macarthy was gowned in cream, piped with scarlet, and a black astrakan coat and scarlet hat. Mrs. Fitohett wore a dark costume light vest, and large hat. * » » Miss Stafford looked very nice in a scarlet skirt, white silk blouse Mrs. Barron, close-fitting costume, and smart toque, Miss Barron, a pale blue tucked coatee and cream skirt ; Miss Richmond, royal blue gown velvet Eton coat, and black hat. Mrs. T. Atkinson wore all black. Miss Skerrett, black cloth gown, chinchilla cape, and turquoise toque. Mrs. Leckie wore a handsome black velvet mantle, and black gown. Miss Clare Butt® wore a

mauve skirt, heliotrope silk blouse and hat to matoh , Mrs. Miles, a dark costume and hat with autumn leaves. Miss Ohaytor wore a rough blue cloth gown, cream vest, and smairt hat. Miss Butts wore black and white, and a becoming toque. Mrs. Loughnan wore a stylish fawn coat, black skirt, and nretty toque. Also present were Mesdames Willis ( Johnson ville) , Fulton Malcolm Ross. Gore, Edwin, Ewen Miss Willis, and many others. * # * Mr. and Mrs. Vawdrey Baldwin passed through "Wellington this week. * • ♦ Mr and Mrs. Seymour were in Wellington a day or two, passing through from Rotorua, where they have been spending some weeks The final games of a most interesting ping-pong tournament were played off at Mrs. Simpson's residence, last Thursday evening. A large number of guests were present, and a very excite ing few hours were provided by the players. Miss Simpson, after splendid play, succeeded in beating Mrs. Ewen and, therefore, was declared champion. Mrs. Simpson won the "consolation." Mr. E. Reid was the gentleman winner. » ♦ • Mrs. Simpson wore a handsome black voile gown, over glace. Miss Simpson who is a graceful Dlayer, looked well in black, with a pretty-made blouse with bands of ecru lace inserted with velvet, finished with net sleeves, and a gold waistband. The Misses Rita and Elsie Simpson wore black velvet frocks. Mrs. Stafford was gowned in black broche, with touches of lace and ruby ornaments. Mrs. MacEwen wore a trained black skirt and pale pink silk blouse, with lovely lace. Mrs. Ewen wore black velvet. Miss Ewen was also in black velvet, with a blue chon. Mrs. T. G. Macarthy wore a lovely gown of black satin, with transparent lace yoke and sleeves. * # • Mrs. W. Kennedy wore a becoming blue grey blouse, and black skirt. Miss Stafford wore an exquisite blouse, with chine effect in blue and pink, and transparent yoke of lovely lace, with a, cream silk skirt. Miss White wore black satin, aaid a scarlet sash. Miss Maoassey (Dunedin) was in black satin and a lace collar. Mrs. Baxter wore black, relieved with lace , Mrs. Fulton, a loose-fitting white silk blouse, and black satin skirt. Miss Y. Logan wore a pretty silk frock, with insertion, and narrow bands of velvet. Some of the gentlemen were Messrs Harvey. Reid, W. Reid, Baxter, Cox, Riley. and several others. * ¥■ * The Misses Skerrett gave a very enjoyable entertainment at the "Sailors' Rest" last Monday. The programme was much appreciated, and the room was packed to the doors. It is really a pleasure to entertain the sailors for they do enjoy everything so much. The Misses Skerrett were assisted by Mesdames Fitch ett and Samuel, and Miss Tolhurst, Major Moore, Captain Owen, and Mr. Clifford Walker. After the concert, the Misses Skerrett. entertained those who assisted at supper at their residence. * * * There was a pleasant little gathering at Mrs. Stafford's residence on Monday afternoon, it being her day at home, and a number of guests were pleased to see Mrs. Seymour (Blenheim), who was passing through from Rotorua, and spending the day with Mrs. Stafford. Bright fires were burning, and made the house warm and cosy, and a tall lamp, burning in the drawing-room, crimson shaded shed a soft, becoming light. Choice flowers, sent from the country, were in abundance, and scented the air. Delicious afternoon tea as handed round. * • • Mrs. Stafford received in a handsome black gown, with purple applique and passementerie trimming. Miss Stafford was wearins: a scarlet skirt, and the loveliest blouse of cream satin, with a collar, handpainted with a design in roses and a black picture hat. Mrs Seymour was beautifully gowned in blue voile over glace, the dress smartly made with triple skirt, and the short bolero opened over a lacy cream vest, and she wore a becoming black ~icture hat, with white ostrich tips. * * * Mrs. Chaytor (Blenheim) wore a smartly cut coat and skirt, and black hat. Mrs. Watson was in brown and hat en suite. Lady Stout wore black, relieved with white, and a black toque, Mrs. Butt, a tailor-made gown, Mrs. Baxter, black costume, with ecru insertions and white hat with black velvet and tips. Mrs. T. G. Maoarthy wore a dove grey skirt, astrakan coat, and a pretty American hat with pink and blue hydrangeas. Mrs. S. Stafford wore a tailor-made gown and picture hat , Mrs. Cruickshank, black gown, cravat of real laoe and hat with black and white ostrich tips ; Mrs. Ewen, a black glace coatee, black skirt, and toque with, velvet and roses. Mrs. W. Kennedy

wore a! navy costume, and ©ream vest. Miss Macassey had on a stylish tweed gown, and hat with scarlet. * * * The boating season was opened on Satuiday last by His Excellency the Governor, in the usual delightful weather which always favours this function. A band greatly enlivened the proceedings, and the comical element was supplied by a crew in fancy costume, who fired "terrific" reports from a miniature gun. The races were exciting, but one's spirits were subdued by keen winds, that swept across the balcony and skids, and made one's teeth chatter memly while the races were on and the opening ceremony was being performed. Directly after the speech, we all flocked to the tea-room, and thoroughly appreciated the delicious, hot tea and tempting cakes. It was very pleasant inside, and on© saw familiar faces in every direction little groups of special friends laughed and chatted, while men in any number dodged about with cakes etc. The tea was catered by Mr. Mawson, and the table looked pretty with spring flowers. His Excellency was accompanied bv the Hon. C. Hill-Trevor, and was received by Captains E. H. Bethune (Star Club) and R. H. Smith (Wellington Rowing Club). * * ' * Amongst the guests I noticed Lady Stout, wearing a black and white gown, pretty black bonnet, and ruffle. Miss Logan wore a dark costume : Missi Fell, a long fawn coat, with cape, dark skirt, and black hat. Mrs. C. Pearce wore a tailor-mad© gown, and red hat ; Mrs. Malcolmson, a stylish coat and dark gown. Mrs. Clark-Johnson wore a sealskin coat, black gown, and tooue ; Mrs. and Miss Holm wood, the Misses Blundell Pearson, Richardson, Stuart, Macintosh, Wheeler Mills, Allan Brown, Hickson, Hacon, Eliott, Ashbolt, Bendall, Koch, Miles, and many more. * • ♦ At eight o'clock last Saturday evening the "old boys" of the Wellington College mustered some sixty sitrong, at the Hotel Cecil, there once more to greet and shake by the hand the old friends of their schooldays. "Old boys" there were of many generations, from some who were at the school in the earliest days of s foundation, when it was situated where the Terrace School now stands, down to a few of the latest recruits to the ever-increasing army. * • • Mr. Field, M.H.R.. occupied the chair, supported by Mr. Heine (acting principal) and Dr. Martin Oast year's

president). Among some of the other well-known guests may be mentioned Mr. A. de B. Brandon, Mr. R. C. Kirk, Mr. C. Hardy, Mr. J. C. Webb, Mr. A. E. Pearce Mr. H. B. Kirk, Mr W. G. Tustin, Dr. Young, Dr. Henry, and. Mr. J. A. Tripe. Several members of the College staff were also present. An exceedingly pleasant evening was spent, many being the reminiscences of the great deeds of yore. • • • Mr. Field, in proposing the toast of "The Old School," gave some interesting old-time recollections, and made reference to the wonderful progressi made by the school in recent years under the able guidance of Mr. J. P. Firth. Mr. A. Heine, who responded, gave a few amusing examples of the troubles of a headmaster, especially with regard to interviews with parents. The toast was also responded to by Mr. Hardy, an old master who was heartily received by the company, whom he regaled with some good stories of other days. • ♦ -r "The Association and Affiliated Clubs" was proposed by Mr. W. F. Ward, who spoke heartily of the work done bv the Association during the ten years of its formation, mentioning Mr. W. M. Denton's name as deserving of all praise for the energetic way in which he had, as secretary of the Association, carried out the arduous 1 duties of his office. To his efforts it was very largely due that the Association was now about the strongest body of its kind in the colony, numbering more than 450 members. Mr. Denton, in reply, thanked Mr. Ward for his kind remarks, and gave some account of the work done bv the Association since its formation. He announced that it had been resolved to establish a clubroom where all "old boys'' might foregather for mutual entertainment. Mr. Brandon also replied to the toast in a few well-chosen words. • * * The last toast of the evening was, "The Absentees." proposed by Mr. Darroch, and responded to by Captain 1 Tuckey, an "old boy" who has been distinguishing himself in South Africa. He told some good stories of his life at tie front, and also mentioned that his hearers need have no fear of the graves of the "old boys" who had died during the war being neerlected, as the women of South Africa had formed a league for keeping them in order. The success of the evening was greatly assisted bv the excellent singing of Messrs. W. D. Lyon. Kirk, bannister, Seed, and Kirkcaldie. and bv the amusin^ stories and recitations of Mr. Lyon, Dr. Martin, and Mr. M. Luckie. (Continued on page 21.)

Mr. and Mi's. Duthie entertained the members of the Opposition at luncheon on Satuiday last. The day was dreadfully cold and wet, but many guests journeyed to the Lower Hutt by the morning train, and were conveyed to "Balgownie" by covered brakes. Mr. Duthie's new residence is beautifully situated, and the view even on Saturday, was very much admired. The house is to be lit with electricity, and the grounds are beinp tastefully laad out. The guests were most hospitably received, and, m the absence (through illness) of Mrs. Duthie, the duties of hostess were charmingly dispensed by Mrs. John Duthie. • » » After the delicious champagne luncheon, the visitors wandered round exploring the many pretty spots in the garden, and admiring the conservatories, etc. A string band played delightfully, and afternoon tea was served in the handsome dining-room. The guests returned to town in the evening, having spent a very enjoyable day and with an excellent opinion of Mr. Duthie as a host. » * • The following pretty gowns were worn at the Convent Old ' Girls' delightful ball in addition to those mentioned last week Four "old girls" made their debut, and looked particularly fresh and dainty m white silk — the Misses C. Sullivan, M. Butler, M. Redmond and Falve. Miss A. Maginnity wore white silk, with shoulder straps of violet velvet. Miss Lambert was admired in black silk. The Misses Flanagham wore white silk. Missi Casey had on white, with touches of pale green. Miss K. Williams was in cream satin, and lace. Muss Stringer (Christ church) was in a m-etty pink silk gown. Miss Mcc wore blue brocade, and Miss M. Mcc a becoming black gown. » * « Miss Orr wore a dainty and becoming cream-insertioned silk. Miss A Duignan wore a pretty white silk dress. Mrs. Devine was handsomely gowned in black. Mrs. Bridge also wore black satin. Miss Smith looked pretty in white silk, elaborately tucked and flounced. Miss Halpin wore black. Miss McDonald looked nice in black lace, with medallion trimming Miss Harton wore a lovely black gown, and coral tnmnune Miss Jennings was in satin, trimmed with bebe ribbon. Mrs Lodder wore a handsome black gown. Mrs. Sievwrio-ht wore black satin, relieved with lace. * * * The Free Lance has just received a splendid stock of wedding cards of various dainty designs, and anyone about to celebrate their marriage should inspect them. A popular design, when folded, forms two ivy leaves, intertwined, and looks very neat when printed m silver lettering. Envelopes are provided to fit any of the cards, and the prices are anything but extravagant. # * * The concert arranged as a welcome to Mr. Hill, on Monday last, was, in every respect, a success, and I have seldom seen the Opera House so crowded. Miss Selig, whose singing was much enjoyed, wore a very handsome silver spangled net, over white glace silk, with low corsage and transparent elbow sleeves, and a huia feather in her hair gave a quaint and realistic effect. She was presented after singing her first number, with a lovely shower bouquet of pale yellow narcissi and maiden-hair ferns, tied with crimson streamers, which, as the bouquet was held in her hand, drooped to the hem of her dress, forming a very pretty picture. » • ♦ Miss Parsons' handsome black satin gown was trained, and finished with a turquoise chou and long ends. Miss Ettie Maginnity also wore a becoming black gown, and was also presented with a basket of flowers. Lady Ward was gowned in black duchess satin, over which she wore a stylish grey cloak. Lady Stout was in a very handsome black gown, with transparent yoke and sleeves. Miss Fraser (Dunedin) wore a pretty grey opera coat, with pink silk collar edged with fur. Miss Eileen Ward was in a white silk frock and white cape. Mrs. R. Parker wore a oream silk gown ; Miss Joan Parker, a dainty white gown, and cream opera cape. Mrs. L. Blundell was in black silk, and a long coat. Miss Blundell wore a dainty white theatre gown and opera coat. Mrs. Bannister was in black brocade. The Misses Bannister wore silk gowns. Mrs. Beauchamp was handsomely gowned in black satin, with pink flowers on corsage. Miss Dyer wore a stylish black brocade , Miss Ivy Barraud, a pretty pink gown and white cape. * * * Mrs. Wylie looked very nice in black, with a collar of lovely lace. The Misses Karcourt wore becoming frocks. Mrs. Prouse had on a pretty theatre blouse, and biscuit-coloured cape. Miss Prouse was in nale blue, and Miss C. Prouse wore pretty pink silk and a white cape. Mrs. Nolan had on a black silk gown Mrs. Barron, a trained black velvet and handsome lace fichu ; Miss Mills, a

dainty white muslin, and crimson cape. Miss Swainson was in black-jetted lace, over silk, Mrs. Macintosh, a lovely black silk and lace gown. Mrs. Adams wore black. Mrs. C. F. Adams wore a black gown and becoming opera coat of grey cirepe-de>-chine, with wide collar edged with fur. • * • Mrs. West entertained a number of guests at an "Observation" evening on Friday last week, and a very jolly time was spent. Each one was permitted to look for a few minutes at a table strewn with four dozen articles, and was then required to write from memory a list, the one who remembered most, of course, secured the prize. Mr. Stanley Brown was the successful gentleman, and received a silver-mounted pen, and Miss M Fleming, a® the lady-winner, was presented with a: silver and cutglass bottle. The house was bright and pretty with flowers, and shaded lights, and the -supper was temptingly laid in the dining-room. Durinc the* evening songs were sung by the Misses West Grady and Grundy, amd a recitation was well given by Miss Edmeades. • • • Mr®. West received in a gown of black silk. Mrs. L. West wore a pretty blue glace blouse Miss N. West, a soft, tucked silk, and the Misses E. and J. West wore dainty tussore silk frocks. Mrs. Woods wore a becoming black brocade . Mrs. Grieg, a becoming white satin blouse and black skirt; Miss Ferguson (Christohurch), pretty white frilled silk. Miss Fleming also wore white. Miss Edmeades was in white, insertioned muslin . Miss Hall, a pretty amber satin blouse. Miss Brown wore a dainty heliotrope silk blouse, and black voile skirt; Miss Gradv, red silk gown and Maltese lace collar. Miss Grundy, a pale pink silk bouse, black skirt * Miss E. Travers, who has been on a visit to New Plymouth, returned last week • • ♦ The marriage of Miss Shavle-George. of Auckland, to Mr Leonard Marshall was quietly celebrated at Auckland last week. The honeymoon is being spent at Rotorua. » • • The ene-aigement is announced of Miss Blanche Coates, of Mount Eden, Auckland to Mr. Leslie Mair, of the Bank of New Zealand staff, Auckland.