The February fashions.

By our Lady Correspondent.

“Dear Maude,

“I don’t often write to you about gentlemen’s fashions, because, as a rule, they are monstrously dull, but this season the stronger sex seem really to be developing some originality.  Here are a few notes taken on the troopship Montfort, where of course you know every one is smart. (Tout ce qu’il y a de plus Montfort has become quite a proverb, dear.) Generally speaking, piquancy and coolness are the main features.  For instance, a neat costume for stables is a pair of strong boots.  To make this rather more dressy for the dinner-table, a pair of close-fitting pants may be added, but this is optional.  Shirts, if worn, are neutral in tint; white ones are quite demode.  Vests are cut low in the neck and with merely a suggestion of sleeve.  Trousers (I blush to write it, dear) are worn baggy at the knee and very varied in pattern and colour, according to the tastes and occupation of the wearer.  Caps a la convict are de rigueur.  I believe this to spring from a delicate sense of sympathy with the many members of the aristocracy now in prison.  The same chivalrous instinct shows itself in the fashion of close-cropped hair.

“There is a great latitude for individual taste; one tall, handsome man (known to his friends, I believe, under the sobriquet of ‘Kipper’) is always seen in a delicious confection of some gauzy pink and blue material, which enhances rather than conceals the Apollo-like grace of his lissome limbs.

“At the Gymkhana the other day (a very smart affair), I saw Mr.  ‘Pat’ Duffy, looking charmingly fresh and cool in a suit of blue tattooing, which I hear was made for him in Japan by a native lady.

“In Yeomanry circles, a single gold-rimmed eye-glass is excessively chic, and, by the way, in the same set a pleasant folly is to wear a different coat every day.

“The saloon-deck is less interesting, because less variegated; but here is a note or too.  Caps are usually cerise, trimmed with blue passementerie.  To be really smart, the moustache must be waxed and curled upwards in corkscrew fashion.  In the best Irish circles beards are occasionally worn, but it requires much individual distinction to carry off this daring innovation.  And now, dear, I must say good-bye; but before I close my letter, here is a novel and piquant recipe for Breakfast curry:  Catch some of yesterday’s Irish stew, thoroughly disinfect, and dye to a warm khaki colour.  Smoke slowly for six hours, and serve to taste.

“Your affectionate,

“NESTA.”

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Here is Williams on the wings of prophecy:—­

OUR ARRIVAL IN CAPETOWN.

(With Apologies to “Ouida.")