Delightful Dinner Parties and Hatters' Teas
Report of the Competition
BY CECILIA TOWNSEND.
IT is not all of us who know how to give a good dinner party—not even in imagination, not even though we mix in the best society in literature, where, of course, our invitations are commands. Indeed, at the moment I am inclined to think that this kind of thing is somewhat rare, having just attended (in spirit) something like 170 dinners given by those whose choice of guests was limited only by their fancy and by the number six, a number small enough to make all conversation general and some sugges- tion of its subject desirable. A few of those dinner-parties-on-paper have left a most vivid and pleasurable impression upon me, for the guests have been well chosen out of every country and epoch. They have either been brought together by mutual sympathy, or dexterously held together by common experience ; romantic, humorous, or grim. How exciting, for instance, to meet the Red Queen, Charles I, Cromwell and Henry VIII (the historic characters as they appear in specific books), and hear them talking of " The Divine Right of Kings " ! Another host has asked Gulliver and Robinson Crusoe and Long John Silver, and some more adventurers. For a moment we wonder how the talk is to be begun. No sooner do we hear the witty suggestion of " Cook's Tours " than we realize that no topic could so well serve to bring out their different individualities, and no men do more justice to so wide a subject.
Again, what a breathless moment when Sherlock Holmes and Raffles, Inspector Bucket, Philip Trent, Dupin and Father Brown get their heads together and begin in all earnestness to think out the question of " Who put the dope in the Baby's doughnut " (I should put the inventive competitor responsible for this party, H. S. Mansfield, 9 Montrose Terrace, Ranelagh, Dublin, second in order of merit.) It is hardly less thrilling to hear the experiences of Robinson Crusoe, Alan Breck, Gulliver and Salvation Yeo on " Tight Corners." But homely company may have for the reader more attraction. Could anything be of greater domestic interest than to hear what Bishop Proudie and Mrs. Jellaby's husband, Katherine the Shrew, Mrs. Poyser, Don Quixote and Betsy Trotwood think generally or collectively when asked : "'Have men or women the Most to put up with ? " (This entry, by Miss Beith, Noverings, Bosbury, Ledbury, I would put third.) Now these Select Dinners upon which I have been hastily trying to throw broken lights have not been chosen for mention at random. They are, so to speak, the pick of the imaginary season. I want now to say a few words about some other little reunions, out of which I have had great fun, but which, for purposes of contra- distinction, I would designate " Hatters' Teas." Rightly speaking, or socially speaking, they are not " Dinners at all. Why the guests were brought together none can know but those who issued the invitations. Why should Sir Roger de Coverley and Sam Weller meet at a party where they are expected to air their views on " vivisection " ? Who would want to hear Sairey Gamp, Man Friday and Captain Cuttle defending the economic policy of the Government ? It makes us sad to think that Fanny Price (who so greatly looks forward to dinner parties and goes to so few) should find herself near to Sam Weller at the festive bOard. Can her would-be hosts know. Fanny, or realize how easily dear Fanny cries ? Sairey Gamp and Jos Sedley are just such another pair of incompatibles. Mrs. Proudie and Mr. Woodhouse might be rather fun together when " ailments " were being discussed. Though a weak .man, Mr. Woodhouse would be sure to keep to the material point, however importunately the Bishop's lady might direct his attention to his soul. How did anyone ever think of King Arthur and Mr. Pickwick in connexion with one another, and why in the name of nightmare should Elizabeth Bennett join them in a few remarks about New Year resolutions ? But let us get to business. Which is the best among all these competitors ? To my mind the prize should go to Mrs. Mary E. Ballanty-ne, The Forum Club, 6 Grosvenor Place ; she would ask Becky Sharpe, Elizabeth Bennett and Shirley—Roy Richmond, Arthur Pendennis and Mrs. Pickwick. Topic of conversation—" Their Creators."
Taking into consideration not only the subject of dis- cussion, so witty, so suggestive, so perfectly appropriate to the fantastic matter in hand, but also the composition of the dinner party, we think she carries off the palm. - A few among the competitors have sent in what might be called little essays instead of mere suggestions. Among these Miss Lettice Milne Rae's is very pleasing. It is a gracefully-conceived little piece, but since the great majority of the competitors have understood their task differently she must be merely regarded as succeeding where she did not compete.
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