FIVE O’CLOCK TEA CHAT.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VII, Issue 10, 7 March 1891, Page 15

FIVE O’CLOCK TEA CHAT.

A COLLECTION OF GENERAL PRINCIPLES YCLEPT SCIENCE—THE * NEW MAGDALEN ’—THE QUEENS FEATHER TRIMING—HER JACKET —LADIES AS PHOTOGRAPHERS—THE BISHOP DID HIS BEST. »LADYS: ‘I have heard so much about the wonderful phonograph, besides havingattended one of the seances myself, that I want to know what it is that people are really interested in. Did they flock to see it, to hear its wondeiful voices, because it was “ the correct thing, don't cher know,” as I heard one of our gilded youth remark to a soft-looking, fair haired girl. She raised a pair of simpering blue eyes to his face and said : “Is it really ? then I shall make papa take me to-night.” Now, those two go because others have gone, but they are only a small part of society. The question therefore remains, why do the rest go V Dolly : * Pure love of science takes some. ’ Gladys : ‘ What is science ?’ Dolly : ‘ I don’t know.’ Vera : ‘ The dictionary says it is “ knowledge ; collection of general principles.” ’ Gladys : ‘ Ah, well, I will concede that some do go on a collection of general principles. When you come to think of it, we all do. The general principle of some minds is a desire for novelty. What do you think, Dolly ?’ Dolly: ‘Yes; but to be truly scientific you must, apparently, have several principles—a collection of them, in fact. So with a craving for novelty we poor women may unite a desire to see who else will be present, and what they will wear ; also we may wish to display a new gown or a theatre bonnet ; or a naughty girl may with these principles combine a desire to see the particular him of her temporary fancy, as she may not, perhaps, be allowed to attend theatre or Opera House except when a lecture is given in that desecrated building. All pure science, you see, Gladys.’ Vera : ‘ What nonsense you two are talking. People went to hear the phonograph from a desire to gain instruction.’ Gladys : ‘ Ard an evening’s entertainment.’ Vera : ‘ That was thrown in. I think amusement and instruction should take hands to lead old and young.’ Dolly : * I hate jam and Gregory’s powder.’ Gladys : ‘Do you remember the play of “ The New Magdalen,” one of the Janet Achurch repertoire ?’ Vera : ‘ Who that has seen it could forget it ?’

Gladys: * When it was first placed on the stage, 1873, I believe, the part of Mercy Merrick being played by Miss Ada Cavendish, there was a perfect howl of public opinion against it. As it was heie, the wonderful charm of the actress lulled all ethical feelings into a sweet sleep, and now it is being reproduced in London to immense audiences.’ Stella: ‘ Though we are far from home, yet we loyal Englishwomen like to hear about our dear Queen’s mode of life, dress, and what not. Am I right ?’ Dolly : ‘Assuredly we do.’ Stella : ‘ You will be surprised te hear that Her Majesty, though despising fashions as such, is very particular about her dress. Comfort, above all else, is what Her Majesty requires in her garments. The gracious lady who reigns over us is that rarct avis, a woman who knows her own mind, and, having given her orders plainly and exactly, she expects them to be executed to the letter. Not very long since, some beautiful feather trimming, made in Paris expressly for the Royal wear, was all sent back to be narrowed by half an inch. Her Majesty had named the width she desired to have, and at once perceived that the trimming supplied exceeded it by half-an-inch. One of the Queen’s favourite materials is a fine black vicuna with a diagonal pattern on the right side. This is sold for two guineas the yard. To make a piece of this lovely stuff a thousand skins are often needed, as only the very finest down-like wool is used. Her Majesty takes the whole piece of fifty yards, although she seldom keeps more for herself than suffices to make one jacket or gown.’ Dolly : ‘ I wish she would send me the rest. If she only knew the depth of my loyalty.’ Gladys : ‘ Certainly, rf she knew how cold it was she would send that material to kindle, if not flames of loyalty, at least sparks of gratitude.’ Stella : ‘ Each year the Queen has four cloth jackets made at a certain West end establishment. Each jacket is of a different thickness, to suit the different degrees of teni]>erature ; and our Royal mistress is so exceedingly sensitive that she detects the difference of half an ounce in the weight of her jacket. To prevent any mistake or dissatisfaction, each jacket is carefully weighed before it is sent home. In some cases one set of buttons has had to be replaced by another not so heavy before the Queen’s jacket could be pronounced perfect.’ Dolly : ‘ Apropos of nothing, I w'onder more women do not take to photography as a profession.’ Gladys : ‘ The sordid question, “ Will it pay ?” at once rises to my lips.’ Dolly : ‘ I believe so. Two ladies in London have established themselves as photographers. Both ladies have had already a considerable amount of experience in their profession, and as they are assisted by a most skilful operator, we make no doubt that they will obtain the large measure of success which they so thoroughly deserve. Their rooms are most charmingly decorated, and arranged in such a way that it becomes a real pleasure to wait one’s turn in the pretty ante-chamber specially prepared for that purpose. Another great advantage at this photographic establishment arises from the fact that the rooms and the studio are all on the ground floor, so that the visitors need never have to endure a tiring pilgrimage up endless flights of stairs before arriving at their final destination.’ Vera: ‘I hope they are satisfied with moderate profits. I find that ladies when they take to business are usually dieadfully avaricious.’ Dolly : ‘ Well, these two are a remarkable exception to your acquaintance. For half-a guinea you can have eight “head and bust” cartes-de-visite, while fora guinea ten cabinet photos will be supplied, either three-qnarter or full length. 'The boudoir and panel portraits are charged in proportion. ’ Stella : * The Duchess of Portland is wearing my idea of luxury and comfort in fur garments. It is of the finest sea),

made up in a long paletot shape, and lined throughout with Russian sable. The price is a thousand guineas. ’ Dolly : ‘ Fancy all that money invested in a cloak which one active New Zealand moth would luin in a short time.’ Vera: * Ah, yes, the moths mt a nuisance. Ido not wonder they aie specially mentioned as being excluded from heaven.’ Dolly : • That reminds me of a clerical story. Ido hope you have not heard it. The Bishop of Manchester pi eached a special sermon at Holy Trinity Church, Hull, and he acquitted himself, as everyone thought, extremely well. An elderly and somewhat near-sighted clergyman, who was one of the congregation, chanced to be discussing the sermon that same night at a hotel, with an ecclesiastic whom he met there. “ What a magnificent sermon Manchester preached !” said he. The stranger was silent. “ Splendid, wasn’t it ?” pursued the man. “ (>h, well,” said the strange clergyman, “I suppose the Bishop did his best.” “ Did his best !’’ retorted the other, indignantly. “ I should think so ; I should like to hear you preach anything one-twentieth part as good !’’ Nothing further passed, and the stranger rose to go, but before he did so, he said, “ I should like to have the pleasure of knowing your name, sir.” “My name,” was the reply, “is B , I’m the Vicar of F. ; and may I ask yours also?” “ Oh, certainly,” replied the other, in bland tones ; “ I am the Bishopof Manchester’