_I visit Washington as the guest of Attorney-General Brewster--A
Dinner at the White House--Amusing arrangement of Guests--The
Winthrop Statue--The memorable Winters of 1884-85--A Millionaire’s
House-warming--A London Ball in New York--A Modern Amy
Robsart--Transforming Delmonico’s entire place into a
Ball-room--The New Year’s Ball at the Metropolitan Opera
House--Last Words._
The following winter my friend Attorney-General Brewster invited me to
Washington to pass a fortnight with him, and I then got a glimpse of
modern life in that city. I enjoyed my visit, but found the people
slower of action than we are in New York; for instance, it took my kind
host fully a week to consider over and map out a dinner for me. Then,
just as I was leaving, the President asked me to dine with him. I was
informed that it was imperative that I should cancel other engagements
and remain over to accept his invitation.
The arrangement of the guests at this dinner was to me amusing. Reaching
the White House, I was separated from the ladies I brought, and could
not in any way find them again to enter the drawing-room with them, but
was ushered into it from a side door, and there joined the gentlemen,
who stood in line on one side of the room, while from an opposite door
the ladies entered the same room, and formed in line, as it were,
opposite the men. When all were assembled, the President himself
entered, bowed to his guests, and offered his arm to one of the ladies,
and led the way in to dinner.
The view from the dining-room into the conservatories, displaying the
finest collection of white azaleas I have ever seen, was most effective.
The dinner was good, and well served; the President most gracious.
Turning to me, he said, “Why, your friend Winthrop is not himself
to-day. What is the matter with him?” I replied, “My dear Mr. President,
he has been up to the Capitol, and seen his ancestor in white marble,
and found his nose was shockingly dirty. This annoyed and mortified
him.” The President replied, “Really, well, this is too bad! This matter
shall at once have my attention. That nose shall be wiped to-morrow!”
The winters of 1884 and 1885 will long be remembered by New York society
people, for three of the largest, handsomest, and most successful balls
ever given in this city have made them memorable. The heir to probably
the largest fortune ever left to one man in this country, then threw
open the doors of his palatial residence and generously invited all who
were in any way entitled to an invitation, to come and view his superb
house, and join in the dance which was to inaugurate its completion.
As I went up the beautiful stairs and passed along the gallery, looking
down on a hall such as few palaces contain, with a long train of
handsomely dressed women passing me on their way down to the reception
room, it put me in mind of a scene I well remembered at the Hôtel de
Ville, in Paris, at a ball given by the Emperor Napoleon III. to the
King of Sardinia. It looked royal, and was most impressive. Our host
stood in the centre of his hall, giving to all a warm welcome. Passing
him we entered his _grand salon_, where his wife received us. The room
itself, Oriental, and as Eastern and luxurious in its own peculiar style
as one could create it. From this _salon_, we entered a novel Japanese
room, and then the fine dining-room of the house, with its marvelous
ceiling, painted by one of the best modern French artists. The picture
galleries were the ball and supper rooms. The cotillion was danced in
the farthest of the two galleries, the ladies seated in double and
triple lines on improvised seats, as if they were sitting on a long
extended dais all around the room. The effect was dazzling and
brilliant. All supped well, for when supper was announced little tables
were placed like magic through the rooms; and New Yorkers had what they
well knew how to appreciate--an elaborate, well-served repast; champagne
in abundance, and of the best, and in perfect condition. In my opinion,
it was one of the handsomest, most profuse, liberal, and brilliant balls
ever given in this country.
The next great flutter in New York’s fashionable world was the
announcement of a grand entertainment to be given, embracing all the
features of a London ball, which, though a novelty here, had for years
been done in London; that was to build an addition to one’s house, to be
used but for one night, and to be made large enough to comfortably hold,
with the house, one thousand or twelve hundred people. There was plenty
of energy and talent to carry this out, and reproduce here what
Londoners have always been so proud of--their ability to double the
capacity of their city houses by utilizing their yards, covering them
with a temporary structure, to be used as a supper or ball room. A young
man of an old Long Island family had married a beautiful girl, a young
woman such as Walter Scott would have taken to impersonate his character
of Amy Robsart, who, besides this natural and _naïve_ style of beauty,
possessed great administrative ability, and withal much taste, a great
amount of energy, and a fortune large enough to carry through any
enterprise she conceived. Both of them were devoted to society, and to
each other. Passing their summers abroad, and seeing what vast
conceptions society there undertook, and successfully carried out, they
resolved to repeat here what they had seen on the other side of the
water. In Marcotte they had a great ally, a man of wonderful taste and
ability; planning out the work themselves, with his skillful hand to
execute it, they certainly built up in a night, as it were, a superb
banqueting hall, complete and elaborately finished as if a part of the
house itself; a solid structure, with no appearance of its being
temporary or run up for the occasion. Throwing two houses into one, and
descending from them into this vast banqueting hall by a wide flight of
stairs, you had, to all appearances, a grand palatial residence, whose
rooms the largest crowd could roam through with freedom and perfect
comfort. The houses themselves were so handsomely decorated in the
period of Louis XIV., that it required cultivated taste to add floral
decorations to such rooms; but it was done, and admirably done, and was
a remarkable feature of this superb ball. Garlands of the delicate _La
France_ roses were festooned on the walls, and over and around the doors
and windows, producing a charming effect. There were two cotillions
danced in separate rooms. The approach from the street to the houses was
admirable; the pavement was inclosed the entire length of both,
carpeted, and brilliantly lighted with innumerable jets of gas--a ball
long to be remembered!
What then was there left for one to do in the way of entertaining to
give society anything new and novel? This duty was then imposed on me.
These pages bear evidence that I am blessed with memory, but imagination
was then what I required to conceive and carry out some new enterprise
in the way of a subscription New Year’s ball, to surpass anything I had
ever before given.
The most difficult rooms to decorate are those at Delmonico’s; but this
establishment is unequaled in London or Paris in that it gives under its
roof incomparable balls, banquets, and dinners. So we resolved that
talent, taste, and money should be expended in an effort to design and
give there a superb ball. The house had the advantage of having a large
square room, all that was required for a dance of three to four hundred
people. On this occasion we were to have seven hundred, and for so
large a number we had to provide two _salles de danse_. The upper supper
room we turned into a conservatory. Its ceilings were low, but covering
them with creeping plants, making around the entire room a dado of banks
of flowers and the walls themselves decorated with plaques of roses,
introducing the electric light and throwing its jets through all the
foliage, we had an improvised bower of flowers and plants that tempted
all to wander through, if not to linger in it in admiration of the
artistic skill which produced such a result. One room we converted, with
Vantine’s assistance, into a perfect Japanese interior. Once in it, we
felt transported to that country. Here were served tea and Japanese
confections, and over all shone the electric light with charming effect.
The _salon_ known as the Red Room had its walls decorated with sheaves
of wheat, in which nestled bunches of _Marechale Neil_ roses, the
background of scarlet bringing these decorations out strikingly. This,
with a new floor, was converted into a _salle de danse_. The large hall
into which all these rooms opened was superb, for on all sides of it,
from floor to ceiling, were hung the finest Gobelin tapestries of
fabulous value. To obtain their use we had to telegraph to Paris, and
were required to insure them for a large sum. Servants in light plush
livery, pumps, and silk stockings, with powdered hair, stood on either
side to direct the guests. Having the whole house, we supped in both
restaurant and café, and as we had given an unlimited order had an
elaborate and exquisite supper.
For a small ball of seven hundred people, I have always felt, and still
feel, that this New Year’s Ball, as given at Delmonico’s, was in every
sense of the word the handsomest, most complete, and most successful
thing of the kind that I have ever attempted in New York City, and I
find I am not alone in this opinion. It was as much a feast for the eye
as the elaborate supper was for the palate, being complete in every
detail, luxurious in adornment, as to its rooms--and epicurean in its
feasting.
New York society had now become so large that it seemed necessary to
solve at once what, to us, has long been a problem, i.e. where we could
bring general society together in one large dancing-room; for though you
may have a dozen rooms thrown open, you will always find that all rush
to the room where there is dancing. Where then could we get a room where
all could at one and the same time be on the floor? It occurred to me
that the Metropolitan Opera House had, in its stage and auditorium, such
a room, and if we could only divest it of its characteristics, it would
be what we wanted.
Satisfying ourselves that we could accomplish this, we formed a
Committee of Three and entered on this new enterprise. Artists, who have
with ability painted small pictures, may venture on larger canvas. We
had succeeded in giving balls of seven hundred and four hundred people.
Why not have a similar success on a larger scale? Had our ideas been
properly carried out, this ball would have been twice the success it
was. The defects were evident, but when seen it was too late to remedy
them. The artificial ceiling, cleverly planned to shut out the
galleries, was not completed, the electric lights were not shaded as
they should have been, and the music stands, ordered by the authorities
to be elevated, were unsightly, and marred the brilliant effect we had
studied to produce. All else received more praise than criticism.
The four most striking points of this ball were, first, the reception of
over twelve hundred people as at a private house by three of our most
brilliant and accomplished society ladies; again, what may be termed the
_Quadrille d’Honneur_ of that ball, which was the different sets of the
Sir Roger de Coverly, danced by the most distinguished ladies of this
city, the “nobs” and the “swells” on this occasion uniting; the supping
of over twelve hundred people at one time at small tables, and the
cotillion ably led by one of our distinguished State Senators, a man in
himself representing family, wealth, and political position.
The Sir Roger de Coverly was danced in the auditorium and on the stage,
and before its completion a blast from the _cornet à piston_ was sounded
by direction of the Management, when at once the three members of the
Executive Committee sought the three lady patronesses who had so
graciously received for them the guests of this large ball, and had the
honor of taking them in to supper. A special table in the centre of the
supper room, elaborately decorated with flowers, was arranged for them,
and the handsome and courteous gentleman who so royally dispenses
hospitality both at his house in town and at his ocean villa in Newport
(the handsomest country residence in the United States), at once sought
one of America’s loveliest, most beautiful, and most graceful daughters,
a charming representative of an old Colonial family, and doubly a New
Yorker, representing the historic families of Livingston and Ludlow.
Another member of the Committee, a descendant of one of our oldest
families, whose ancestor was a distinguished General in the Revolution,
had the fortune to have on his arm a most superbly dressed woman, whose
tiara of diamonds could well have graced a Queen’s brow--whose beauty I
have before alluded to when comparing her to Amy Robsart. I had the
honor of leading the way with our leader of society, whom Worth had
adorned with a robe of such magnificence that it attracted and held the
attention of the whole assembly. Her jewels were resplendent--in
themselves a King’s ransom; and placing her on my right, at the supper
table, I had on my left the beautiful woman who had won the hearts of
the American nation.
Before leaving this ball, I must mete out due praise to the man who
could so successfully care for so large a number of people at supper at
one time, and give credit to the good and effective work done by the
three hundred well-trained, liveried servants scattered through the
house, understanding their work and performing it admirably. This ball
was given as a New Year’s Ball on the 2d of January, 1890.
And now, in concluding this book, I beg to say that I have simply
discussed society as I have found it, and only such entertainments of
which I have been part and parcel.
THE PRESENT FASHION IN STATIONERY.
[Illustration: _In America the residence is always in the right
corner._]
[Illustration: _In England, if any residence is engraved on a card, it
is in the left corner._]
[Illustration: _In France, no lady’s residence is now put on a card._]
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
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[Illustration]
[Illustration: P. P. C.: Pour prendre congé. Translated into English: To
take leave.]
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
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[Illustration]
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[Illustration]
[Illustration: _Going out of Mourning._]
[Illustration: _Lighter Mourning for Brothers and Sisters._]
[Illustration: _Mourning used in this country for Nearest Relatives._]
[Illustration: _Mourning._]
[Illustration: _Second Mourning._]
[Illustration: _Mourning--Husband and Wife._]
[Illustration: _Mourning--Children._]
[Illustration: _For Children._]
[Illustration: _For Brother and Sister._]
[Illustration: MOURNING CARDS.
_For Relatives._]
[Illustration: _For Husband and Wife. Father and Mother.
Mourning as deep as this is rarely used in this country. This is a
French card._]
_NOTE._
The originals of the following form of invitations, etc., are on a
double note sheet, size 6-7/8 by 9, folded once to 4-1/2 inches wide by
6-7/8 inches long. The material is a medium rough cream-laid linen
paper, with water mark.
When address and crest are used on notes, they are done in a bright red;
the crest being embossed.
Envelopes used are of same material as note sheet, of a size to take the
note folded once in centre.
ADDRESS ENVELOPES IN EACH CASE TO
_Mrs._------------------------------
OR
_Mr. and Mrs._-----------------------
THE FORMER PREFERRED.
FORMS OF CARDS AND INVITATIONS NOW USED BY “THE SMART SET.”
AN INFORMAL ACCEPTANCE TO A DINNER.
_Dear Johnson_:
_It will give me pleasure to dine with you on Friday next at 8 o’clock.
Pray present me most kindly to Mrs. Johnson, and believe me_,
_Faithfully yours,
J. J. Murray._
_Union Club,
Monday, 18 April._
AN INFORMAL REGRET TO A DINNER.
[Illustration]
16 WEST 86^{TH} STREET.
_Dear Mrs. Forsyth_:
_I am so very sorry I cannot have the pleasure of dining with you on the
12th to meet Mr. Waring, as I am going out of town on Wednesday to be
absent a week._
_With kindest regards, believe me,
Yrs. sincerely,
S. T. Oliphant._
A FORMAL INVITATION.
16 WEST 86^{TH} STREET.
[Illustration]
_Mr. & Mrs. Chamberlain
request the pleasure of
Mr. & Mrs. Robinson’s
company at dinner on Tuesday, September
the eleventh, at eight o’clock._
_August 21st._
A FORMAL ACCEPTANCE.
16 WEST 86^{TH} STREET.
[Illustration]
_Mr. & Mrs Robinson
have much pleasure in accepting
Mr. & Mrs. Chamberlain’s
kind invitation to dinner on Tuesday,
September the eleventh, at eight o’clock._
_August 22._
ANOTHER STYLE OF AN INFORMAL ACCEPTANCE TO A DINNER.
16 WEST 86^{TH} STREET.
_Dear Mr. Murray_:
_It will give me great pleasure to dine with you on Friday next, April
12th, at eight o’clock._
_Yours truly,
J. J. Murray._
_Tuesday._
A FORMAL REGRET TO A FORMAL INVITATION TO A DINNER.
_Fair View,
Newport,
R. I._
_Mrs. Marcy
regrets that as she is leaving Newport
on Monday, she is unable to accept
Mr. and Mrs. Clinch’s
kind invitation for the 16th._
_12th August._
AN INFORMAL INVITATION.
16 WEST 86^{TH} STREET.
_My dear Mrs. Forster_:
_Will you and Mr. Forster give us the pleasure of your company at
dinner, on Tuesday, September the eleventh, at half after seven
o’clock._
_Sincerely yours,
Caroline Russell._
_September third._
AN INFORMAL ACCEPTANCE.
16 WEST 86^{TH} STREET.
_My dear Mrs. Russell_:
_Mr. Forster & I have much pleasure in accepting your kind invitation to
dinner on Tuesday, September the eleventh, at half after seven o’clock._
_Believe me, sincerely yours,
Frances Forster._
_September third._
AN INFORMAL REGRET.
16 WEST 86^{TH} STREET.
_My dear Mr. Russell_:
_Mr. Forster and I regret extremely that a previous engagement prevents
our accepting your very kind invitation for Tuesday, September the
eleventh._
_Believe me, sincerely yours,
Frances Forster._
_September third._
A FORMAL ACCEPTANCE TO A FORMAL INVITATION TO A DINNER.
[Illustration]
_Mr. & The Honble Mrs. Coleman
have much pleasure in accepting
Mr. & Mrs. Renshaw’s
kind invitation for Friday, Aug. 16th,
at 7.30._
_Fadden’s,
Newport._
_Aug. 9th._
ANOTHER STYLE OF A FORMAL REGRET TO A FORMAL INVITATION TO A DINNER.
16 WEST 86^{TH} STREET.
[Illustration]
_Mr. & Mrs. Williamson
regret that owing to a previous engagement
they are unable to accept
Mr. & Mrs. Montgomery’s
kind invitation to dinner for Saturday,
eleventh of January, at eight o’clock._
_December 24th._
ANOTHER STYLE OF A FORMAL ACCEPTANCE OF A FORMAL INVITATION TO A DINNER.
16 WEST 86^{TH} STREET.
[Illustration]
_Mrs. & Mrs. Robinson
accept with pleasure
Mr. & Mrs. Chamberlain’s
kind invitation to dinner on Tuesday,
September eleventh, at eight o’clock._
_August 22._
ANOTHER STYLE OF A FORMAL REGRET TO A FORMAL INVITATION TO A DINNER.
16 WEST 86^{TH} STREET.
[Illustration]
_Mr. & Mrs. Blair
regret that a previous engagement
prevents them from accepting
Mr. & Mrs. Robinson’s
kind invitation to dinner on Friday, 12th
August._
_29th July._
ANOTHER STYLE OF A FORMAL ACCEPTANCE OF A FORMAL INVITATION TO A DINNER.
16 WEST 86^{TH} STREET.
[Illustration]
_Mr. & Mrs. Screven
accept with pleasure
Mr. & Mrs. Blair’s
very kind invitation to dinner for Friday
next at eight o’clock._
_April 8th._
ANOTHER STYLE OF FORMAL REGRET TO A FORMAL INVITATION TO A DINNER.
[Illustration]
16 WEST 86^{TH} STREET.
_Mr. & Mrs. Davis
regret extremely that a previous engagement
prevents their accepting
Mr. & Mrs. Wilson’s
kind invitation to dinner for Monday,
September 16th._
ANOTHER STYLE OF A FORMAL ACCEPTANCE OF A FORMAL INVITATION TO A DINNER.
[Illustration]
16 WEST 86^{TH} STREET.
_Mr. E. Berkley
accepts with pleasure
Mr. & Mrs. White’s
invitation to dinner on Monday, 16th
September, at 8 o’clock._
_13 September._
A FORMAL INVITATION TO A DINNER.
[Illustration]
16 WEST 86^{TH} STREET.
_Mr. & Mrs. Van Buren
request the pleasure of
Mr. & Mrs. Catlin’s
company at dinner on Saturday, the 11th,
at eight o’clock._
_Dec. 23rd._
[Illustration: AN INVITATION TO A DINNER.
_On an engraved card._
_To meet Mrs. _____
_Address note to Mrs. ____ or Mr. and Mrs. _____]
[Illustration: A FORMAL INVITATION TO A DINNER.
_This should be engraved on note paper._]
[Illustration: AN INVITATION TO A DINNER.
_On an engraved card. The best taste._]
[Illustration: ANOTHER STYLE OF AN INVITATION TO DINNER.
_On an engraved card._]
[Illustration: AN INVITATION TO AN AFTERNOON TEA.
_On an engraved card._]
[Illustration: AN INVITATION TO A BREAKFAST.
_On an engraved card._]
[Illustration: AN INVITATION TO A THEATRE PARTY.
_On an engraved card._]
[Illustration: AN INVITATION TO A SMALL DANCE.
_On an engraved card._]
[Illustration: AN INVITATION TO A MUSICALE.
_On an engraved card._]
[Illustration: ANOTHER STYLE OF AN INVITATION TO A MUSICALE.
_On an engraved card._]
[Illustration: A YOUNG LADY’S INVITATION TO A MUSICALE.
_On an engraved card._]
[Illustration: A FORM OF INVITATION TO A WEDDING.
_Engraved an note paper._]
[Illustration: ANOTHER FORM OF INVITATION TO A WEDDING.
_Engraved on note paper._]
[Illustration: ANOTHER FORM OF AN INVITATION TO A WEDDING.
_Engraved on note paper._]
[Illustration: INVITATION TO A WEDDING.
_Engraved._]
[Illustration: INVITATION TO A WEDDING RECEPTION.
_Engraved._]
[Illustration: INVITATION TO A WEDDING, WITH WEDDING BREAKFAST.]
[Illustration: INVITATION TO A WEDDING, WITH WEDDING BREAKFAST.
(_Cards._)]
[Illustration]
[Illustration: ANNOUNCEMENT OF A WEDDING.
_Engraved on note paper._]
[Illustration: ANNOUNCEMENT OF WEDDING.
_Engraved on note paper._]
[Illustration: INVITATION TO RECEPTION AND DANCE ON ENGLISH
MAN-OF-WAR.]
[Illustration: INVITATION TO RECEPTION TO THE LORD CHIEF JUSTICE OF
ENGLAND.]
[Illustration: INVITATION BY SECRETARY OF STATE TO AN EXCURSION ON WAR
STEAMSHIPS.]
[Illustration: REGRETS OF MARQUIS OF LORNE, GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF CANADA,
TO INVITATION TO PATRIARCHS’ BALL.]
[Illustration: INVITATION TO BACHELORS’ BALL, METROPOLITAN OPERA HOUSE,
N. Y.]
[Illustration: INVITATION BY PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES TO A DINNER
AT THE WHITE HOUSE.]
[Illustration: A PARIS MENU, 1890
DINER DU 4 JANVIER
_Hors-d’Œuvre_
_Consommé Renaissance_
_Turbot sauces Hollandaise et Nantua_
_Selle de Chézelles aux Épinards_
_Pain de Lièvre à la Française_
_Petites Timbales à la Palbem_
_Faisan truffé sauce Chasseur_
_Cardons à la Savoyarde_
_Glace Parisienne_
_Gâteau Viennois_
_This menu is printed on parchment--size, 5-1/4 × 7-1/8 inches--with
border in silver._]
[Illustration: A PARIS MENU, 1890.
_The border of original is done in silver._]
[Illustration: A PARIS MENU, 1890.
Diner du 8 Fébrier
Consommé Royal
Croustades Dieppoise
Filet de Bœuf Renaissance
Timbale de Suprêmes de Volailles
Cuissot de Chevreuil sauce poivrade
Salmis de Faisans at Perdrix
Dinde à la Périgueux
Foie gras à la Française
Salade de Laitue
Pointes d’Asperges veloutée
Glace Maltaise
Gâteaux
Dessert
_Printed on a card 3-1/2 × 6-1/2, with mottled border in gold._]
[Illustration: A PARIS MENU.
_The original is printed on parchment, ornament done in gold._]
[Illustration: A PARIS MENU, 1890.
_Original done on white parchment, ornament in gold and black._]
[Illustration: A NEW YORK MENU.
_This card has bevelled and gold edges, the ornamentation being embossed
in old gold._]
[Illustration: A NEWPORT MENU.
_Border done in gold._]
[Illustration: A NEWPORT MENU.
_Border done in gold, wines in red._]
[Illustration: UN MENU AUTHENTIQUE AU CHATEAU DE TUILERIES A L’EMPEREUR
NAPOLEON III.]
[Illustration: MENU OF THE SWAN BANQUET.
_The original of this Menu is done in gold._]
[Illustration: MENU OF THE BANQUET GIVEN THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL BY
FREDERICK DIODATI THOMPSON, FEBRUARY 3, 1883.
_Heavy white card all done in gold._]
FORMS OF INVITATIONS USED
BY MR. McALLISTER _NOTE._
The originals of the following forms of invitations, etc., are on a
double note sheet, size 6-7/8 by 9, folded once to 4-1/2 inches wide by
6-7/8 inches long. The material is a medium rough cream-laid linen
paper, with water mark.
When address and crest are used on notes, they are done in a bright red;
the crest being embossed.
Envelopes used are of same material as note sheet, of a size to take the
note folded once in centre.
ADDRESS ENVELOPES IN EACH CASE TO
_Mrs._ ____
OR
_Mr and Mrs._ ____
THE FORMER PREFERRED.
INFORMAL ACCEPTANCE OF INVITATION TO DINE.
16 WEST 86^{TH} STREET.
_Dear Robinson:_
_I accept with pleasure your kind invitation to dinner for Monday, April
first, at eight o clock._
_Very truly yours,_
_Ward McAllister._
_March fifteenth._
INFORMAL REGRET OF INVITATION TO DINE.
16 WEST 86^{TH} STREET.
_Dear Robinson:_
_I regret extremely that a previous engagement to dinner for Monday,
April first, deprives me of the pleasure of accepting your kind
invitation._
_Ward McAllister._
_March twenty-fifth._
ANOTHER FORM OF AN INFORMAL ACCEPTANCE OF
INVITATION TO DINNER.
_Dear Robinson:_
_I have much pleasure in accepting your kind invitation to dinner for
Monday, April first, at eight o’clock._
_Very truly yours,_
_Arthur Forster._
_March fifteenth._
[Illustration: FORMAL REGRET OF INVITATION TO THEATRE PARTY AND SUPPER.]
_____ Fifth Avenue._
_My dear Mr. McAllister:_
_I am very sorry that I have an engagement for that evening, and am
deprived of the pleasure of seeing the Kendals and taking supper with
you._
_Sincerely yours,
Julia Meredith._
_Saturday, April second._
[Illustration: FORMAL ACCEPTANCE OF INVITATION TO OPERA AND OPERA BOX.]
16 WEST 86^{TH} STREET.
_My dear Mrs. Erskine:_
_I accept with pleasure your kind invitation to join you at the Opera in
your Box on Monday evening, first of April. Thanks for the ticket._
_Very truly yours,
Ward McAllister._
_March twenty-ninth._
[Illustration: FORMAL INVITATION TO DINNER.]
16 WEST 86^{TH} STREET.
_Mr. Ward McAllister requests the pleasure of_
_Mr. James Carr’s_
_company at dinner on Monday, April first, at half after seven o’clock._
_March fifteenth._
[Illustration: INFORMAL INVITATION TO THEATRE AND SUPPER.]
16 WEST 86^{TH} STREET.
_My dear Mrs. Meredith:_
_Will you go with us to the Theatre on Monday evening next to see “The
Kendals,” and afterwards to supper at Delmonico’s._
_We will stop for you at a quarter before eight o’clock._
_Very truly yours,
Ward McAllister._
_Friday, April first._
[Illustration: FORMAL REGRET OF INVITATION TO DINNER.]
16 WEST 86^{TH} STREET.
_Mr. Ward McAllister regrets extremely that a previous engagement
deprives him of the pleasure of accepting_
_Mr. and Mrs. Erskine’s polite invitation to dinner for Thursday, March
twenty-first._
_March seventh._
[Illustration: FORMAL INVITATION TO RECEPTION ON YACHT.]
End of Project Gutenberg's Society As I Have Found It, by Ward McAllister