AN UNTITLED ARISTOCRACY IN ENGLISH SOCIETY.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume V, Issue 41, 11 October 1890, Page 7

AN UNTITLED ARISTOCRACY IN ENGLISH SOCIETY.

Ix England the phrase ‘county people’ conveys a meaning

that can hardly be understood in this country. It is not necessary to have a large bank account, a superior education or a high-sounding title to move in the cream of London society. To be one of the ‘county people’ is all-sufficient, even if you are half an idiot or out at elbow s. A Miss Smith or a Miss Arundel, for instance, makes her appearance in the drawing-room for the first time. * Who is she?’ will be whispered around. ‘ < >ne of the Staffordshire Arundels,’ some one will suggest. ‘ < Hi, no, one of the Hampshire Arundels, or the Norfolk, or whatever county it may’ be,’ ami the question is at rest forex er and a day ; everybody is satisfied. By’ this county grouping, so to speak, society knows who she is ami what she is right aw ay. After ail. colonists know very little about English society. To go through a London season, or any number of them, conveys but a very small idea just one phase, that is all of English society. To know John Bull you must see him at home, ami that means at his country seat. Instead of ‘ doing ’ London to the death our travelling public would gain far greater enjoyment and far better knowledge of Great Britain and its people if they would rent some country parsonage for the autumn months. U’liey would find themselves at once in the thick of county society.