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The New-year, destined to be so crucial, cah

There was, to be sure, a trifle less ostentation in the public

celebrations, but the usual aht in the most

vital year in the history of the nation The custone, made reckless love to the wo And the women theeousness

The fact that almost coincident with the war there had come into

prominence an entirely new school of color formed one of the curious

contrasts of the period Into a drab world there flae and

bizarre theatrical effects, in scenery and costume Some of it was

beautiful, most of it merely fantastic But it was i of fashionable woinated it,

could use it but little; but great opulent America adopted it and ray, A her days between dressmakers and decorators, flamed

with the rest

On New-year's Eve Clayton Spencer always preceded the annual ball of

the City Club, of which he was president, by a dinner to the board

of governors and their wives It was his dinner He, and not Natalie,

arranged the seating, ordered the flowers, and planned the menu He took

considerable pride in it; he liked to think that it was both beautiful