correspondence is more interesting and effective than a personal commune; and, I trust, that my determined exertions to afford you instruction and amusement, will substantiate what I advance. were trimmed with a broad French lace; above which was laid a white satin ribbon. The bosonis and sleeves were gored; and the seams finished with satin beading. Mary wore her hair braided, and fastened in knots in the French style, at the back of her head, with a comb of brilliants à la chevaux de frise, a bandeau in the Chinese style crossed her forehead, and over her head was thrown in graceful negligence, a long veil of Paris net, embroidered in an elegant border of the pheasant's eye, copied to nature. This veil fell in tasteful folds about her figure, shading con Now then, dear Julia, to begin with the time present and to come; for each, I assure you, is fully occupied with a succession of engagements. To-night we attend the Duchess of B's concert; and scarcely a disengaged two hours presents itself during our stay in town: for though many fashionables of acknowledged celebrity have quitted the metropolis, it only seems to have excited a more determined animation insistently the bosom, and forming a drapery those which still sojourn within its walls; and every place of fashionable resort still exhibits an assemblage which bespeaks neither a dearth of beauty, rank, or elegance. Last evening we mustered a strong party for the opera, to witness the unparalleled powers of Catalani at her second benefit. Now, Julia, I charge you not to laugh at, or cavil with me when I say, that though I do not understand more than a few words of Italian, yet did I feel every note poured from the enchanting pipe of this sweet minstrel. Never did I witness such versatility of powers. The emphatic, the dignified, the expressive, the sublime, the insinuating; all reach the hearts of her enraptured auditors, and proclaim this surprising woman to possess the very soul of harmony. Thus much for my favourite enchantress, who appears to have only one thing to learn, that of economizing her talents; or rather, the art of making herself scarce. So tottering and incomplete is the fabric on which public applause is founded; that they, I am convinced, are most likely to continue favourites, who wisely leave much to hope and expectation. || strangely beautiful. Mary's figure is perfectly adapted to this style of ornament, being the very model of Grecian symmetry. My petite person would have been perfectly shrouded in such an article; so, Julia, I contented myself with my hair à la rustique, decorated with a bunch of the variagated pea-blossom; which divided the curls in front of the forehead; and appeared in a cluster so as nearly to obscure the left eyebrow My bosom was shaded with a half handkerchief of patent net, embroidered in a border of the same flowers in colours; and was simply fastened at the throat with an Egyptian amulet set in pearls and gold. Mary has just ordered several new articles of attire for the country. A new set of morning dresses, consisting of the French jacket and petticoat; the robe pelice of blossom, and white muslin. Riding coats of Circassian silk. A gipsy hat of satin straw, and woodland poke bonnet. All her evening dresses are without trains, ornamented at the feet with lace, work, or crescent scollops; and worn with the imperial ruff of lace. Little satin caps, and the cap Anne Bullen, with wreaths and bunches of natural flowers, are to form a part of her extensive and tasteful wardrobe. I send you, dear seen, with a wreath of the blue convolvolus; which you must simply twine round the crown: for you must lay aside your little French bonnet, they being now considered antifushionable.➡ Adieu! dear Julia. Friday's post will determine whether I am destined to follow in the 'rain of fashion's votaries, or soon to embrace those dear fire-side friends, who will ever be sacred to the affections of But avaunt this moralizing strain! and let me step at once (a prodigious effort of mental agi-Julia, one of the prettiest gipsy hats I have ever lity), from the pulpit to the orchestra-from volumes of ethics to the crowd at Vauxhall. Gladly, I am sure, will Julia go with me in the exchange. Well then,-to this gay spot come along my friend; and gather from the costume selected by fashionables such as Mary and me, a few well directed arrows for your bow. Our gowns were composed of the same materials, and consisted of India mull muslin, worked in the most delicate and minute sprigs. They were made a walking length; and round the bottom, ELIZA. London: Printed by and for J. BELL, Southampton-Street, Strand. Entire new Collar for a Morning Dress. & Printed for the 20th Number, of La Belle Afsemblie, for Ichn Bell, Wechly Messenger Office Aug 1, 1807. |