by Mark Twain
"AFTER" JENKINS
A grand affair of a ball--the Pioneers'--came off at the Occidental sometime ago. The following notes of the costumes worn by the belles of theoccasion may not be uninteresting to the general reader, and Jerkins mayget an idea therefrom:
Mrs. W. M. was attired in an elegant 'pate de foie gras,' made expresslyfor her, and was greatly admired. Miss S. had her hair done up. She wasthe center of attraction for the envy of all the ladies. Mrs. G. W. wastastefully dressed in a 'tout ensemble,' and was greeted with deafeningapplause wherever she went. Mrs. C. N. was superbly arrayed in white kidgloves. Her modest and engaging manner accorded well with theunpretending simplicity of her costume and caused her to be regarded withabsorbing interest by every one.
The charming Miss M. M. B. appeared in a thrilling waterfall, whoseexceeding grace and volume compelled the homage of pioneers and emigrantsalike. How beautiful she was!
The queenly Mrs. L. R. was attractively attired in her new and beautifulfalse teeth, and the 'bon jour' effect they naturally produced washeightened by her enchanting and well-sustained smile.
Miss R. P., with that repugnance to ostentation in dress which is sopeculiar to her, was attired in a simple white lace collar, fastened witha neat pearl-button solitaire. The fine contrast between the sparklingvivacity of her natural optic, and the steadfast attentiveness of herplacid glass eye, was the subject of general and enthusiastic remark.
Miss C. L. B. had her fine nose elegantly enameled, and the easy gracewith which she blew it from time to time marked her as a cultivated andaccomplished woman of the world; its exquisitely modulated tone excitedthe admiration of all who had the happiness to hear it.
