LADY OF THE BOUQUET

NZ Truth, Issue 1152, 29 December 1927, Page 4

LADY OF THE BOUQUET

Reception to the Amerys and A Quick Change

(From "N.Z. Truth's" Special Wellington Representative.)

PUSTOM has taught we English speaking people that it is not much good having/ a bouquet to present without having someone to whom to present it.

T IKEWISE, there is a logical belief 1 JLj that a plentitude of bouquets with a distinct paucity of grateful (they always say they ' are) recipients, ;s destined to throw a nasty hiatus into the social order. And, accepting this roundabout dictum, is to admit that the English Union had a pretty close squeak the other day when the reception was being tendered to the Right Hon. Mr. L. S. Amery and, Mrs. Amery. The whole trouble arose through an unexpected clash of official and very much unofficial interests. In fact, it was very much akin to what the small-town newspaper reporter would undoubtedly characterize as "what might have proved a serious accident ." As in his inevitable case, so in this — it didn't! — though very, very nearly. The English Speaking Union has in>dividually and collectively a very generous heart. It reputedly always makes a good job of a reception. SAY IT WITH FLOWERS And this reception to so notable and much -discussed folk as-the-Amerys-you-know, was no exception to the general rule. Sir Frederick Chapman is the president of the Union and it was naturally arranged that Lady Chapman, as wife of the president, should present Mrs. Amery with the. ever delightful bouquet designed and procured for the occasion. The stage was set. Fell a breathless hush — or nearly so for' it was mostly a women's affair. All the lady social writers had their pet phrases in mind and the dainty and charming frocks all espied. Then, out of the blue, so to speak, appeared another bouquet, charming in its artistry, but with it, came the imp Difficulty avec brother, Estrangement.

The lady of the new bouquet, plus her two daughters — all members of the Union — had taken a handy stance in the reception hall, ready to shower out the congratulations and her bouquet. Lady Chapman was beginning to wonder whether she would go on with the job or try and get out of it. The other lady had the smiling determination of the stayer — the spirit bent on getting: things done. However, u member of the executive, quickly appreciating" the position, touched the uninvited giver of bouquets and smiles on the shoulder with a whispered: "But you cannot — simply can't — Lady Chapman is making the presentation." Now, to say "you cannot to any woman is to awaken her "I will," but to say it to some women in particular is to bring out the "will," crescendo. PLAIN SPEAKING UNION The car arrived. Doors flung open! Lady Chapman was standing undecided, her beautiful bouquet looking very forlornly sick with drooping little head, when the lady member of the executive again rallied. This time it was plain speaking by one who wasn't in the English Speaking Union for nothing. In effect, she said if the mere member would not yield to official authorlts', other methods would be necessary. It worked. Came charming Mrs. Amery in her beautiful dress of whatever-it-was and she was met by the wife of the president in a charming dress of whatever-it-was, and there was the presentation, the murmurs of delight, the whispers, I the clink o£ tea-cups, the how-de-dos, etc. Finally Mrs. Mere Member unloaded her posy on n deeply impressed and very grateful Mrs. Amery. Yes, there- are whispers just now .... Oh. dear. yes. Very mucn ian English Speaking Union, just .now. )