But Few are Chosen.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXVI, Issue XXI, 25 May 1901, Page 966

But Few are Chosen.

That vaguely defined section of the community which calls itself society is at present a prey to much anxiety in connection with the visit of the Duke and Duchess of York to New Zealand. If you are a keen observer you will notice pervading the upper and middle circles a feeling of apprehension somewhat akin to that which broods over the penitent form at a revival meeting. Society would give its giddy head to know on what principle the invitations to meet Royalty are to be issued; and some of its members would willingly part with a right hand to be permitted to squeeze that of the Duke for one rapturous moment. But officialdom is silent on the subject, and it is vain to look to the papers for enlightenment. The feeling of unrest has become all the more intense during the last few days, when certain individualsaetually received their cards. The marked serenity of those favoured ones brings into relief the painful suspense which racks the minds of their neighbours, and must continue to rack them till the actual hour of the Royal reception, for in a matter of this kind hope is not quenched till the last, minute. W’as it not the ease that at Colombo an official of rank did not receive his invitation to the Duke’s banquet until the covers were actually being removed from the dishes; and one can imagine a dozen ways in which the same delay might occur. Let us not despair, then, if the Royal call has not come to us yet. Our names may even now be under consideration, the aide-de-camp may even now be signing our names, nay, the precious missive may already be on its way. Of course, it is comparatively easy for a male to offer optimisms in this way. For him to be denied a passport to the footstool of Royalty means nothing more than a social disappointment. But in the case of a lady, the question of dress greatly complicates the position. The great occasion demands more than the ordinary ball costume, as the papers have told us. How many dresses, I wonder, are being made on the chance of an invitation? How many, I wonder, are destined to glitter for one supreme moment before the eyes of Royalty? The private dances of this and next season will probably witness a finer variety of costumes than there has been at such functions for many years past, and wonderful creations meant to grace a Royal reception will have to be content with the admiration of a private draw-ing-room.