P.T.W.

* * * * *

ANGLO-SAXON DRESS.

(For the Mirror.)

“Among the ornaments,” says Mr. Turner, “worn by the ladies, mentioned in the Anglo-Saxon documents, we read of a golden fly, beautifully adorned with gems; of golden vermiculated necklaces; of a bulla; of golden head-bands, and of a neck-cross.  The ladies had also gowns; for a Bishop of Winchester sends us a present, ’a shot gown (gunna) sown in our manner.’  Thus we find the mantle, the kirtle, and the gown mentioned by these names among the Saxons, and even the ornaments of cuffs.  In the drawings of the manuscripts of these times, the women appear with a long, loose robe, reaching down to the ground, and large loose sleeves.  Upon their head is a hood or veil, which falling down before, was wrapped round the neck and breast.  All the ladies in the drawing having their necks, from the chin, closely wrapped in this manner, and in none of them is a fine waist attempted to be displayed, nor have their heads any other covering than their hoods.”

W.G.C.

* * * * *

THE SELECTOR; AND LITERARY NOTICES OF NEW WORKS.

* * * * *

ARLINGTON,

By the Author of “Granby,"

Is not the most striking novel of the season.  This may by some readers be attributed to the absence of that dashing caricatura style and constant aiming at antitheses, which, if it relieve the vapidness of the story, does not add to its natural attractions.  Nevertheless, there are pictures of life and manners in these volumes which have the easy and unconstrained air of an author who is not writing for mere effect, but for the purpose of “holding the mirror up to nature,” and correcting the follies and vices of the age without attempting to exaggerate them.

We do not attempt to unravel the story of Arlington, but quote a few flying extracts.  First is a

Scandal-loving Letter

from Sir Gerald Denbigh to Lady Ulverston, a lady distinguished by a congenial love of tracasserie, and a congenial idolization of social distinctions; an address which passed for cleverness; unimpeachable taste in self-adornment; and who was courted by the ball-going part of London as a dispenser of tickets for Almack’s.

“Do you know you are paying us all a very undeserved compliment in being curious about our proceedings; and I will not turn the head of any one here, by imparting a syllable touching your inquiries.  You ask what the party is composed of—­a sign that you don’t consume your invaluable time in spelling newspapers—­for Berwick announces the accessions to his menagerie as diligently as Pidcock.  Our last arrivals were those Polar bears, the Rochdales, with their pretty youngest daughter, who is surprisingly