MRS. DELANY.
[TO THE EDITOR OP TI11 "SPECTATOR.")
see a discussion has been going on in the Spectator as to the exact meaning of the term nightgown." There is a passage in the Duchess of Devonshire's letters which appears to me to settle the matter. Writing to her mother on Wednesday, February 19th, 1785, she says :—
"I was too tired to write. My sister and I were very smart for Carlton House. Our gowns were night-gowns of my invention. The body and sleeves black velvet bound with pink and fastened with silver buttons. The petticoat light pink, and the skirt, apron, and handkerchief crape bound with light pink; and large chip hats with feathers and pinks. My sister looked vastly pretty. They danced last night in the petit apartmsnt. The dancing room white and gold,"
From this it is evident that nightgowns in those days were not dressing-gowns or demi-toilette but ball dresses, though not worn, perhaps, at State balls. The letter will be found in p. 80 of the Anglo-Serum Review, Vol. II., for September.—
Previous page
