* * * * *

It is the province of brides to be as bedecked as circumstances permit.  Why then does Mrs. Depew automobile about Washington in a miserable machine that most people would refuse to be seen in?  Is it humility?  It is not gallant in Chauncey to permit the lady to appear in such an antiquated rattletrap.  In appearance she is a plain woman; sensible, gracious and nice.  Her position is a trying one which she supports with tact.  So far she has been guilty of no error of taste and her manner with her husband is pleasant without bearing a trace of that silliness which the Senator’s great age encouraged Washington to expect.  No one has yet enjoyed any spiteful fun at Mrs. Depew’s expense though many were on the qui vive for entertainment.

* * * * *

Idlehours has been duly garnished for the return of the master, who loves this home better than the gray pile which represents the best architectural type on Fifth Avenue.  Mr. Vanderbilt is modestly conscious of the prestige wrested from Fournier, and is a cheering illustration of the soundness of open-air enjoyment.

* * * * *

How often have we read of the monthly ten thousand dollars which our ambassador will lavish upon Brook House!  In justice to Mr. Reid it must be owned that he is simplicity itself, and by no one is it supposed that either he or Mrs. Reid have part in the publication of these details.  He showed wisdom in a preference for his own household over the proffered royal quarters which would have been assigned him.  He is chosen for his fitness, but were he the veriest clod the dignity of his position would still carry with it a sufficient measure of respect.  Our desire to embellish its importance is absurd, and the hysteria of the dailies is calculated to place a dignified gentleman in a ridiculous light.  Mrs. Reid’s name and cultivation will doubtless enable her to support a monotonous role with grace; but, in consideration of British proficiency in matters ceremonial, their money will not be called upon to add a jot to the dignity of their reception.  Their early departure has not prevented the opening of their country place, Ophir Hall, in the vicinity of White Plains, while their neighbor, Colonel Astor, has long been established at Ferncliffe.

* * * * *

Miss Nannie Leiter, of studious renown, is visiting Chicago in the company of her father.  Mamma Leiter plans a garden party in compliment to Ambassador and Madame Cambon, while brother Joseph courts fame from the arena of Buffalo Bill; but for a clear space of a day or two we have learned naught of Daisy of the violet orbs.  They are the loveliest eyes in Washington, by contrast with which the commoner grays and blues appeal to the enamoured diplomats but as so many soulless pebbles.

* * * * *